Dignity
Every person is valued, respected, and supported.
About Innovative Center
More than just a day program — a place to belong
Innovative Center is an adult day program in La Mesa, California. We support adults with developmental disabilities to build skills, take part in their community, and work toward greater independence.
Our mission
We believe in the potential of every individual
At Innovative Center, we believe in the potential of every individual. Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where adults with developmental disabilities can thrive, build skills, experience meaningful opportunities, and develop lifelong community connections.
That belief is not an abstract statement. It shapes how the day is planned, how staff speak to the people they support, and how success is measured — not against a standard curriculum, but against what each person wants for themselves.
“It is our goal to improve our consumers' quality of life and help them become independent members of society.”
A Brighter Tomorrow Together
Our philosophy
The values behind everything we do
These four commitments come directly from who Innovative Center is, and they are the standard we hold ourselves to every day.
Inclusion
Everyone belongs, and everyone has a voice.
Opportunity
We create pathways for growth, learning, and new experiences.
Independence
We empower individuals to build skills and live more independent, fulfilling lives.
How we help
What growth looks like here
Progress is rarely dramatic. It is steady, and it follows a pattern we have seen again and again.
Step 1: Support
We start by getting to know the person — what they need, what they already do well, and what a good day looks like for them.
Step 2: Learn
New skills are introduced at a pace that feels achievable, with encouragement rather than pressure.
Step 3: Participate
Joining in — activities, conversations, outings. Being part of what is happening rather than watching it.
Step 4: Grow
Confidence builds. Things that felt hard in the first month become part of an ordinary day.
Step 5: Connect
Friendships form, and the community becomes familiar territory rather than unfamiliar ground.
Step 6: Become More Independent
More of each day can be done their own way — which is, in the end, the whole point.
Explore, Learn, Grow, Belong.
Person-centered support
What “person-centered” actually means
It is a phrase used often in this field, so it is worth being concrete. At Innovative Center it means the individual and their planning team decide together what support looks like — which services are included, which activities matter, and what goals are worth working toward.
It also means those decisions are revisited. Interests change, skills develop, and a plan that fitted last year may not fit now.
- The person is part of the conversation about their own day
- Goals are individual, not assigned by group or ability level
- Support levels are adjusted as independence grows
- Families and planning teams stay informed and involved
We would love to meet you
Come and see it for yourself
The best way to understand Innovative Center is to visit. We would be glad to show you around and answer any questions you have.
Or call 619-461-0914