Southwest Center for the Developmentally Disabled

Meet Ethan

Ethan visits with WDRB Morning Meteorologist, Jude Redfield, with the help of Community Access team member Kathy. 

Ethan's Meteorological Dream Comes True with SWC's Support!

Ethan's dream is to be a TV Meteorologist, and thanks to the dedicated efforts of SWC Community Access team member, Kathy, that dream became a reality! Kathy reached out to Jude Redfield at WDRB, who generously offered his time to give Ethan a tour of the news studios. The highlight of the day was Ethan stepping in front of the camera and presenting the day's weather. It was an unforgettable experience that left Ethan beaming with joy and excitement for days.

This is just one example of how SWC empowers individuals like Ethan to achieve their dreams. SWC's support enables Ethan to live as independently as possible, by residing with a supportive Family Home Provider. It helps him navigate the ins and outs of a job that he loves and gives him a sense of accomplishment. Ethan also loves to bowl, and swim, and create art. AT SWC Ethan is able to experience all of the things he loves while working on his goals and creating new dreams. 

We take immense pride in Ethan's accomplishments and in our role in helping him live his best life. At Southwest Center, we are dedicated to supporting Ethan and others with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving their personalized goals. 

Ethan’s world is full of joy—he loves his suits, thrives in the pool, and is unbeatable at bowling. He’s the life of any conversation with his endless movie quotes and can belt out Bohemian Rhapsody like a rock star. But more than anything, Ethan has a passion for the weather. His biggest dream? To become a TV Meteorologist.

Thanks to supporters like you, Ethan is one step closer to living that dream.

At the Southwest Center, we’re committed to helping people like Ethan reach their full potential, and with your support, we can make even more dreams come true.

Providing Hope and Fulfilling Dreams

Your support can help us continue making dreams come true for individuals like Ethan. Join us in providing hope and fulfilling dreams for those we serve.

From the moment a child is born, parents dream of their future. This is no different for parents of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities. In 1982, a group of determined parents founded the Southwest Center to ensure their children had every opportunity to thrive. These pioneering parents refused to let disabilities define their children, paving the way for many other families in our community. Over the past 40 years, SWC has grown to offer a wide range of community-based services designed to help each person live, work, and enjoy life in their own community. Through our core values of Encouragement, Friendship, and Support, SWC has helped individuals with disabilities reach their dreams and provided hope for their families.

Who We Are

Southwest Center is a private non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing community-based programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. SWC offers a variety of services, including day training, job training, residential services, transportation services, and community support services. 

SWC is the only organization within the Louisville area certified by the Kentucky Division of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities to offer technology assisted residential services. 

In 2024, SWC was a recipient of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics in the large non-profit category.