Special Neighbors is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. It was founded in 1978 by a group of parents of, and advocates for, people with developmental disabilities. Their purpose for establishing Special Neighbors was to provide quality residential services to persons with developmental disabilities living in eastern Jackson County. Over the past 35 years, the Special Neighbors Board of Directors and leadership team have expanded services to meet the growing needs of individuals with developmental disabilities in Jackson County. We currently support 87 individuals with developmental disabilities in Independence, Blue Springs, Lee's Summit, Kansas City and Grandview. We offer a variety of residential options, including group homes, a semi-independent apartment program and individualized supported living in a person's own home.

The mission of Special neighbors is to empower and assist persons with developmental disabilities to live and participate in the community with dignity.