Our History

Founded in 1986, Creative Living is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of developmentally disabled individuals.  Creative Living was founded by Rosalie Ruggiero and Dr. Larry Larsen with the support of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.  At the time of Creative Living's founding, Mrs. Ruggerio had already founded both the Fidelity Homes and CLASS educational programs for persons with developmental disabilities.  We were approved by the IRS for 501 (c) (3) status on March 24th, 1987.  We purchased the land and farmhouse at 368 South Main Street in Andover in 1988, and have been using it ever since for programs in support of our mission.  Creative Living is a private, non-profit organization and we receive no state funding.

Our Mission

Creative Living's mission has always been to support individuals and their families with developmental disabilities and their families so that they can live fulfilling lives in their communities.  Our constituents are individuals who are developmentally delayed, have down syndrome, and, increasingly, those within the spectrum of autism.  Innovative social, recreational and respite solutions are developed through the work of professionals, involved families, and interested community members.  An all-volunteer Board of Directors provides governance, direction and oversight.

Our Community

Community involvement is an active aspect of our organization and is crucial to our ongoing success.  Creative Living is very active in the community and seeks out partnerships and collaborators to broaden the world of the developmentally disabled, including their ability to access services, recreation and personal growth.  Creative Living is the host organization that helped form the first chapter of Best Buddies at Merrimack College.  The Deans of the Business and Education departments at Merrimack College also work with us to refine and implement our strategic plan as well as provide student volunteers to assist with programs at Creative Living.  We are responsible for co-founding of Lutheran Creative Living, a permanent residence on our property for special needs adults which opened in January of 2006.  We also welcome members of the developmentally disabled community to Creative Living for their special events.  Most recently we welcomed members of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, individuals aged 13-22, for their kick-off picnic September 19th, 2010.

Accreditations and Certifications

• Quest Certification from Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services

Find Out More

Want to learn more?

• Learn about Creative Living's GetAway Weekend, CLIP and Social Club programs
• Find out how to get involved
• See membership opportunities
• Read testimonials by Creative Living's guests and family members