In contrast to other services such as group homes or developmental centers, CLO makes it possible for people to live their lives. Not a disabled person’s life, not the family’s life, but their life.
—Tenille, who supports several people
About Us: History
Creative Living Options owes its existence to two amazing men, Deron Schmidt and Jason Coon. Their mothers, CEO Joan Schmidt and Co-Founder Kathleen Campbell,
shared their challenges and journeys from infancy through adulthood managing
profound developmental disabilities. As their sons grew and developed, Joan and Kathleen became
experts on supporting family members with developmental disabilities. They
served as mentors and advocates for families living with children and young
adults experiencing developmental disabilities.
Pioneering Supported Living Services
Joan and Kathleen pioneered Supported Living Services, becoming “single-household
vendors” for their own sons. They 
created a manual (See "Available for download" on the Links page) that is the definitive
resource for families embarking on that form of supported living in California.
They served on legislative advisory committees, contributed to policy formation,
and presented at conferences around the country. Founding a supported living
agency was a natural outgrowth of their accomplishments. Creative Living Options
began supporting its first consumer in March 2001, under the auspices of another,
established non-profit agency. CLO became an independent entity in October
2001.
CLO’s driving force continues to be keeping families and consumers at
the center of every phase of its operation. In order to maintain that focus,
Joan and the Board of Directors have committed to keeping the agency
small.
CLO serves as a leader and exemplar in the supporting living field. 
