Providing Support That Respects Adults’ Potential
UCP Heartland’s Adult Day Services provide safe, structured, and meaningful daytime support for adults living with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs).
Our programs focus on helping adults learn new skills, engage socially, participate in the community, and progress toward greater independence, while giving peace of mind for families and caregivers.
For more than 70 years, families across Missouri have trusted UCP Heartland to provide a safe, enriching environment where individuals with disabilities truly thrive.
Program Goals
- Foster lifelong learning and practical skill development.
- Provide meaningful opportunities for socialization and peer friendships.
- Support each participant’s unique independence and personal confidence.
- Enable active, everyday community inclusion for every individual.
Program Highlights
Life Skills Training & Daily Living Support
- Learn safe meal preparation and nutritious cooking.
- Build everyday computer and technology skills.
- Develop personal care and grooming routines.
- Manage daily schedules and everyday responsibilities.
Social Engagement & Relationship Building
- Strengthen everyday communication.
- Build positive relationships with peers.
- Participate in group activities and shared experiences.
- Express thoughts and emotions with confidence.
Community Outings & Inclusion Activities
- Explore parks, museums, and local attractions.
- Participate in volunteer opportunities.
- Join seasonal and community events.
- Practice everyday life skills in community settings.
Foundational & Pre-Vocational Skill Building
- Explore interests through arts and technology.
- Practice teamwork and task completion.
- Strengthen organization and time management.
- Prepare for future workplace opportunities.
Behavioral & Emotional Support
- Manage emotions in healthy ways.
- Respond to sensory needs with confidence.
- Make everyday decisions more independently.
- Strengthen self-advocacy and resilience.
Safety, Care & Personal Support
- Receive respectful personal care and mobility assistance.
- Access adaptive equipment and accessible facilities.
- Get support with everyday routines from trained staff.
- Enjoy a safe and welcoming environment.
Program Achievements
- Participants report high satisfaction with the friendships they've built through our program.
- Families report improved quality of life after their loved ones join UCP Heartland.
- Our newly expanded South St. Louis location provides additional space for programs, activities, and participant engagement.
- Proudly serving more than 130 individuals through our Adult Day Program.
How Our Program Works
Every participant’s journey at UCP Heartland begins with understanding who they are , their interests, abilities, and goals. From there, we build a day program experience that’s truly theirs.
01
Personalized Assessment & Goal Setting
Before a participant begins, we conduct a thorough assessment to understand their strengths, interests, and areas for growth. Together with the individual and their family, we create a personalized plan with meaningful, achievable goals.
02
Structured Daily Programming
Each day is thoughtfully designed to balance skill-building, social engagement, and fun. Participants have a voice in their daily activities , from life skills training and vocational tasks to creative arts, outings, and wellness activities.
03
Family & Caregiver Partnership
We keep families and caregivers actively involved at every stage. Through regular updates, care team meetings, and open communication, we ensure that the support provided at our centers extends seamlessly into the home environment.
04
Ongoing Progress Monitoring
Our trained staff and specialists continuously track each participant’s progress, adjusting goals and programming as they grow. We celebrate every milestone , big or small , and keep the focus on long-term independence and quality of life.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our centers feature training kitchens, adaptive equipment, computer labs, sensory spaces, and accessible bathrooms , everything built to support
every participant’s needs.
Why Families & Caregivers Trust UCP Heartland
Decades of Trusted Experience
For more than 70 years, UCP Heartland has been helping children and families access compassionate autism services and personalized care.
70+ Years of Service
Person-Centered Programs
Every participant has different interests, abilities, and aspirations. Activities are thoughtfully planned to encourage independence, participation, and continued learning.
130+ Individuals Served
A Welcoming Community
From shared activities to lasting friendships, participants enjoy an inclusive environment where they can connect with others and feel a true sense of belonging.
Family-Centered Approach
Experienced Team You Can Rely On
Our dedicated staff brings compassion, expertise, and respect to every interaction, creating a safe environment where participants can enjoy each day with dignity.
280+ Dedicated Staff Members
Our Locations
St. Louis, MO:
Day Services North
- 4645 LaGuardia Drive St. Louis, MO 63134
- (314)-994-1600
- [email protected]
St. Louis, MO:
Day Services South
- 9246 Watson Road St. Louis, MO 63126
- (314)-624-0571
- [email protected]
Central, MO:
Gibbs Center for Indendence
- 4645 LaGuardia Drive St. Louis, MO 63134
- (573)-761-7300
- [email protected]