Our Mission

At A Purposeful Day, our mission is to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing them with a sense of daily purpose. We achieve this by offering opportunities for physical, social, emotional, and educational enrichment, emphasizing meaningful contributions to the community through volunteering.


 

Image by Eunice Kim Photography

Hear from our members, families, and volunteers!

  • The reason that I love about this program is I have the opportunity to learn and to grow plus making friends in how we connect- including how we could make a difference in our lives so we could share this in Northern Virginia.

    -A member

  • In a word, APD is amazing! Truly there is no other program like it in the metropolitan area. We feel so blessed to have found such an engaging, interactive and dynamic environment where our adult child can learn, grow and make friendships with other young adults in a small, safe and nurturing environment. Unlike other day programs we’ve tried, APD encourages participants to try new activities, develop skills, be physically active and engage in their community. The program leaders are so innovative and determined and they have gathered such a dynamic group of volunteers to support this program. It is so inspiring to finally see a program that seeks to challenge young adults with disabilities to be the best that they can be!

    -A Parent

  • From the first day I participated as a volunteer, my time at APD has brought so much unexpected joy to my life and I quickly learned that I would receive far more from APD than I could ever give in return. My time at APD has opened my eyes and heart to the power of human connection in a meaningful community. While the participants of APD- who have become dear friends to me– may be different from me in some ways, the things that unite us are far more profound. We share a common humanity– the need to be seen, known and loved and the longing for purpose and belonging. We each bring something unique to the table and have a story that only our life can tell. My friends at APD have challenged me to really stop and see the people I encounter every day- to look for what unites us and connects us. To see and celebrate the beauty of every unique life and to see and celebrate the beauty of my own unique life, too. I will never be the same.

    -A volunteer