The Self-Direction Center

The Self-Direction Center is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on strengthening self-direction nationwide. Co-founded by Erica Andres, Molly Morris, and Brenda Vitale, it aims to bring together people and organizations across the self-direction community and build a board that reflects that community, with at least half of its seats reserved for people with lived experience.

The Center’s work is organized around collaboration, community, and collective action. It connects stakeholders to address shared challenges and exchange ideas, creates trusted spaces for conversation and ongoing learning, and mobilizes collective efforts to demonstrate the value of self-direction. Its initiatives include developing shared resources and educating people about effective self-direction.

The organization also supports community engagement through a weekly “Self-Direction in the News” newsletter, updates about the National Self-Direction Conference, and information about new resources and opportunities. Its mailing list welcomes people who self-direct, family members, service providers, public-sector staff, researchers, advocates, and others. GT Independence and Public Partnerships, LLC are recognized as legacy founding partners.