Ryan Lanford was an amazing human who touched many lives with his patient and forgiving spirit. Ryan lived with Luis in Alternative Family Living for six years. Ryan dealt with the challenges that many people living with disabilities in North Carolina face. He did not receive comprehensive services through a Waiver and needed assistance in receiving therapeutic and mental health support. Luis, Ryan, and Ryan’s mother worked hard to get him every service he needed and find him integrated, meaningful activities every day. Ryan and Luis were like brothers. As much as Luis helped Ryan, Ryan helped Luis learn patience, forgiveness, and kindness in so many ways.

Luis always says that no matter what kind of day Ryan had or how he was feeling, he always took the time to show his love. He was unconditionally forgiving, and most of all, he was kind. This is where the philosophy and motivation for honoring Ryan’s legacy started. Sadly, Ryan is no longer with us, but his legacy of love and kindness lives on in the mission of this agency!
As Ryan would say, “Ain’t life grand?”

Our mission is to address the needs of individuals with disabilities by nurturing a community that respects their differences and cultivates their potential to grow and reach their goals.

Ryan’s Place takes an E.P.I.C. approach to the quality of services provided:

Ryan’s Place is a provider agency serving children and adults ages 3-100 with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. The agency is currently seeking staff to work 1:1 in the community with members, Community Navigators to advocate for members’ needs and Qualified Professionals with I/DD experience. If you are seeking meaningful work where you can truly help others, this may be just the role for you!