In 1997, the Golden Gate Regional Center approached OFI and asked for their help in managing a day program that was on the brink of closing down.  Just over ten years later, New Opportunities for Vocational Advancement (NOVA) participants are involved in community-based social and recreational activities, individualized educational programs, and some paid work.

Since 1992, the Supported Training for Employment Placement (STEP) program has offered paid on-the-job vocational training in three-person enclaves at local Marin businesses and participation in social recreational activities in the community.  This supported employment option provides resume writing and interview skills training, job development, job search and placement services, as well as one-to-one on and off the job coaching.

The Leafwood Circle Home was OFI’s first residential program when it opened in 1991 and broke with industry-wide traditions of housing 6 to 12 clients in "group homes" by providing housing and individualized support to only 4 gentlemen.

In 2008, as OFI¹s focus turned to even more individualized support and independent living, the Leafwood Circle home was closed and the majority of the residents continued with the Supported Living program and moved into their own apartments in Corte Madera.

In 1997, OFI opened the Lincoln Avenue Apartment Program (LAAP), located near downtown San Rafael.  Twelve adults with developmental disabilities live in the 2-bedroom apartments at LAAP and are given assistance with independent living skills, including medication management, personal hygiene, cooking and nutritional training, transportation usage, money management, and exploration of and referral to community programs and resources. 

OFI’s Supported Living program was established in 2003 as an independent living option that provides long-term assistance with an individualized approach to all areas of home life while allowing the client to live in his/her own home. 

The Supported Living program expanded through a partnership with Ecumenical Association for Housing (EAH) in January 2008. OFI clients moved into seven units in the new San Clemente Place apartments in Corte Madera and began receiving support through the Supported Living program.