New Horizons Independent Living Center (NHILC) - Shreveport, Alexandria, Monroe, LA

Location: Shreveport, Alexandria, Monroe, LA.

There was a time when people thought "independent living" was limited to "accessible doorways" and "special parking..." but that day is OVER!

Our services are offered to people with any type of disability. We believe that independence can come even to those with the most severe disabilities. Independence starts as an attitude - a desire to take responsibility for one's own life. Independence continues through the development of knowledge and skills that enable one to control his own activity. Furthermore, New Horizons believes it is the responsibility for those who have achieved a measure of independence to advocate for the removal of all barriers to people with all forms of disabilities. New Horizons believes in the inclusion of all persons with all forms of disability, regardless of origin, age at onset, or degree of disability.

New Horizons believes that each individual is different and unique and should not be treated as if one size fits all. Because of this uniqueness, people with disabilities are in the best position to guide, direct, and control their own lives. We work with consumers with all types of disabilities to assist them in accomplishing their personal goals for independent living. Each independent living plan is as unique as the individual consumer.

New Horizons is funded by federal grants from the Independent Living Administration, state grants from the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, and fee-for-service programs.

New Horizons is a member of the National Council on Independent Living and is associated with the Louisiana Statewide Independent living Council.

Our Mission

New Horizons Independent Living Center (NHILC) is a private, non-profit, non-residential, consumer-controlled, community-based organization that exists to provide the supports and services for people with disabilities to live in their own homes and communities. Simply stated, our mission moving forward is toward "enabling people with disabilities to live independently..."

Our Vision

New Horizons strives to be the pre-eminent provider of services to people with disabilities in North Louisiana through a single point of access for people with disabilities.

Values and Guiding Principles

• WE BELIEVE that all human beings, including people with disabilities, have the right and responsibility to live independently and productively.

• WE BELIEVE that independence can come, even to people with the most severe disabilities. Independence starts as an attitude -- a desire to take responsibility for one's own life. Independence comes through the development of knowledge and skills that enable one to control his own activity.

• WE BELIEVE that it is the responsibility of those who have achieved a measure of independence to advocate for the removal of all barriers to people with all types of disabilities.

• WE BELIEVE in the inclusion of all persons with all types of disabilities, regardless of origin, age of onset, or degree of disability.

• WE BELIEVE that the concept of consumer control is central to Independent Living. No one knows better than the person with a disability what is best for self. The governance of Independent Living must remain in the control of people who HAVE disabilities.