ABOUT US
Supporting people as they strive for independent, fulfilled lives.
Dignity
Committed to treating people with respect and kindness, while honoring their inherent worth as an individual.
Dignity
Inclusion
Committed to fostering and strengthening relationships to create a vibrant and more inclusive community.
Inclusion
OUR VALUES
Empowerment
Committed to the belief that every individual deserves to feel confident in their own abilities and to steer their lives in the direction they choose.
Empowerment
Accessibility
Committed to providing accessibility solutions for homes and healthcare transport, as well as advocating for more accessible and inclusive public spaces for all.
Accessibility
Reliability
Committed to providing consistent, dependable, and empathetic support with the highest level of care and compassion.
Reliability
MARIA MOWDER
BOARD PRESIDENT
EDWIN R. PAYNE, MD
FORMER CEO
OUR HISTORY
For nearly 70 years, Fairfield Center for Independence has remained at the forefront of empowering people within our community.
In 1954, United Cerebral Palsy was officially incorporated, thus providing the foundation on which the Organization would be built. A separate but similar Company, The Fairfield Council for the Disabled, was established as a non-profit Adult Day Center in 1981, and the two Organizations operated alongside and with each other until 1993, when they merged to create Fairfield Center for disABILITIES & Cerebral Palsy, Inc. (FCdCP).
With an ever-increasing need for services in Fairfield County, FCdCP experienced steady growth. Over the next several years, three more Programs were added: Medical Appointment Transportation, Ramp and Home Modifications, and the Equipment Loan Closet. These with the original Adult Day Program enabled FCdCP to better meet a wider range of individual needs.
In 2023, FCdCP changed its name to Fairfield Center for Independence (FCI), to better reflect its purpose of supporting people as they strive to live independent, fulfilled lives. The Organization continues to operate its Programs and Services with the goal of fostering individual growth, empowerment, and well-being.
MEET OUR TEAM
Unique people from all walks of life, working together to make a difference in Fairfield County.
ADMINISTRATION & ADULT DAY STAFF
TRANSPORTATION STAFF
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TEAM
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BILLIE, ESA
Hi, I'm Billie! I volunteer at FCI as an Emotional Support Animal, and assist regularly in the Adult Day Program. When I was a baby, I had an eye infection and had to have both eyes removed. With lots of love and support from my mommy Cassidy, I've developed my other senses and am able to navigate my surroundings using smell and sound. My favorite part of my job is helping people feel better when they're sad or scared, and providing entertainment by chasing my toys. When I'm not at The Center, I enjoy playing with my kitty siblings at home, sitting outside, and taking hikes with my mommy. I'm also fond of pulling shoes out of closets and attacking toes.
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HANZO, ESA
What's up, I'm Hanzo! I am an ESA and the Offical Good Boy of the Center for Independence. I was adopted in 2023 by my dad, Josh. On a regular basis, he takes me to work with him to visit. My job is very important: making people smile and laugh, and getting lots of pats on the head! It's a tough gig, but someone's gotta do it. In my time off, I love to take my dad for walks and help redecorate by chewing accent pillows.
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