Our History of improving the lives of people with disabilities.

The first center for independent living in West Virginia was established in Huntington, WV in 1981 with a Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Title VII.  Title VII is the section of the Rehabilitation Act that specifically addresses all elements of independent living. The first Board of Directors was incorporated in 1981 to operate the Huntington Centers for Independent Living, Inc. The board maintains a majority of members who are people with disabilities, with several Board members being actively involved in services and activities of the center, as well as representing a cross section of the social service, public, and business communities.

The Center in Beckley officially opened in June of 1998 under the name of Beckley Center for Independent Living.

In 1991, the board of directors amended the Articles of Incorporation to change the name of the corporation to Mountain State Centers for Independent Living, thus putting both centers under a single name. Mountain State Centers for Independent Living covers 19 counties in West Virginia for the Community Living Service Program and 5 counties with our Employment, Life Skills, and Advocacy programs.

All policies governing the activities of both centers are made by the Board of Directors. Apart from the President/CEO, board members are comprised of voluntary services

The Foundation of Independent Living was established on October 1, 1992. The Foundation is to provide financial resources to ensure Mountain State Centers for Independent Living’s fiscal stability beyond the use of Federal grant funds. The Foundation of Independent Living is the fundraising arm of Mountain State Centers for Independent Living.

In 2021, current CEO, Angela Adams, planned and executed a major renovation to the corporate office at 821 Fourth Avenue in Huntington, WV. The renovation included updating the building, establishing new office spaces, creating consumer training simulators, and upgrading technology.