History: Opening Doors Since 1974

Members of the Jackson County ARC created the corporation "Living Opportunities, Inc." in May 1974 to provide residential services for their family members and others in need of this service. As originally conceived, the corporation would provide training and support in residential and vocational settings to assist people with developmental disabilities achieve their "greatest potential for independent living", provide respite care, advise and aid families in the area of housing and to advocate for further development of housing and residential services for people with developmental disabilities.

• Living Opportunities, Inc. opened Beatty Street, the first group home in Medford, Oregon
  on May 1, 1975.
• What is now "Supported Living Services" was created in 1976 using a State Mental Health Division grant to provide semi-independent living program services.
• Edwards Street began operation in 1978.
• In 1983, Living Opportunities responded to a request by the County Health and Human Services Department to provide employment services.
• Five children with severe mental, physical and medical disabilities moved into the barrier free, wheelchair accessible Stone House, named for long time board member Orville Stone,
  in June 1987.
• Construction of a duplex on Mae Street was completed in April 1989.
• The original site of the Medford employment program and corporate office on Valley View Drive was purchased from the ARC of Jackson County in 1991.  
• Weaver House began operation in August, 1994 to support individuals with severe medical and physical needs.
• Golf View opened in November 2000 for adolescents with significant behavioral issues.
• Studio Sfumato was started in the Fall of 2004.
• Blue Heron, Central Point, opened in 2005 replacing Beatty House.
• Lithia Way Apartments on Beatty Street leased November 2006.  
• Edwards Street, closed December 2006.
• Auburn opened January 2007.

Living Opportunities has over 150 employees providing services for a total of 24 people in five houses, over 60 people living in their own apartments and over 100 people in jobs in Jackson County.