A new path for young adults with developmental disabilities.
Foundation for Independence (FFI) is an Arizona-based provider of person-centered Supported Living and Employment Services. We were created to address the gap that opens when young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities exit school-based services — and to help them keep building skills, confidence, and a meaningful adult life.
Our mission
To support young adults and other individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in building independence, stability, and meaningful participation in daily life — through Supported Living and Employment Services delivered with consistency, dignity, and care.
Our vision
A future where every young adult with developmental disabilities in Arizona has access to the consistent, individualized supports they need to grow into a stable, independent, and meaningful adult life — at home, at work, and in their community.
The transition gap is one of Arizona's most urgent — and most underserved — service needs.
When school-based services end between ages 18 and 22, families often experience a sudden loss of supports, daily routines, and structured services. We exist to help young adults keep moving forward.
In Arizona — particularly in rural and underserved communities — there are limited providers offering structured, community-based Supported Living and Employment Services for transition-age young adults with developmental disabilities. Without consistent support during early adulthood, individuals can experience regression, isolation, behavioral health crises, and long-term reliance on higher-cost services.
Foundation for Independence delivers community-based services aligned with Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) principles and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). We focus on skill development, employment readiness, and increased independence — helping young adults continue building the lives they're working toward, rather than “falling off the cliff” when school ends.
Person-centered. Strengths-based. HCBS-aligned.
Independence looks different for every individual. Our supports are shaped by each member's Individual Support Plan (ISP), strengths, and goals — and gradually fade as confidence and skills grow.
Person-centered
Every plan begins with the individual — their strengths, preferences, and goals. Independence looks different for everyone.
Safe & respectful
Reliable supports, clear communication, and a culture of dignity that families and guardians can trust.
Skill-building
Not just supervision — practical, lasting skills that increase confidence and independence over time.
DDD & HCBS aligned
Services aligned with the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities, AHCCCS, and Home and Community-Based Services principles.
Choice & self-determination
Members are actively involved in decisions about their daily routines, supports, employment, and goals.
Real-world skill building
Skills are taught and reinforced where they're used — at home, in the community, and in workplaces.
Faded supports over time
Supports gradually reduce as members gain confidence and independence — not the other way around.
Meet the founder.
Alex Graham
Founder & CEO · Authorized Signatory
Alex is an Arizona-based educator and entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience supporting children, transition-age youth, and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His work spans direct support, behavioral coaching, workforce supervision, private-school leadership, and the design of structured transition-age programs.
Owner, CEO, and founder of multiple education and service-based organizations.
Helped build a private educational program now serving 30+ students with diverse learning needs across multiple campuses.
Direct experience supporting individuals with autism, intellectual disability, ADHD, and other developmental needs since 2005.
Believes independence looks different for every individual — and that every young adult deserves the chance to grow at their own pace.
Ready to talk about how we can help?
Whether you're a family member, a guardian, a Support Coordinator, or an individual exploring services — we'd love to hear from you.