Our Mission
Willows Way provides personalized support to individuals with challenges, promoting dignity while fostering independence, growth and life choices within the community.

The Meaning of the Willow Tree...
The Willow Tree, like a Community, is most vital when it is planted in rich, fertile soil and is watered daily. As the tree matures, its roots extend deep until it reaches inner stability and permanence. To best view the Willow Tree, one must lie under the tree and watch how each branch responds differently to the command of the wind. So it is with the services provided by Willows Way - each support is designed and fashioned according to the voice of each customer.

Strengthening Communities...
Willows Way continues its mission to enhance lives with dignity. Willows Way is a not-for-profit organization in the State of Missouri and depends on philanthropic donations to support its mission and vision. Please visit Volunteer Opportunities to learn more about how you can contribute and help others or help us by Making a Donation today.

Our Vision...
All people who seek personalized supports that nurture the body, mind and spirit will experience a sense of home, a feeling of security, and an avenue for personal growth in the community.

Our History

Willows Way originated in 1989 as Home Assistance Services in the residence of Kathy Williamson and Mary Owens, co-founders of the agency. Continuing a life-long commitment to enhancing lives with dignity, Kathy and Mary designed personal care services for elderly citizens in the community and short-term respite care for individuals who had a developmental disability.

Supporting People...
In the spring of 1990, at the request of the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the agency was asked to support a young man for a three week period. No other agency would welcome him. Brad tried hard to "fit in" wherever he was, but he knew no boundaries. It was a trying time for his entire support team. He was employed at a sheltered workshop as the team endlessly searched to secure a residential placement. Failure was not an option. The team was determined to see his challenges as opportunities.

In October 1990, Brad and his family met with his support team to discuss his hopes and dreams for a meaningful and fulfilling life. Rather than "fitting into" an existing group home, the team identified what supports Brad needed to achieve his dreams and live a happy, significant and safe life. This was the beginning of Willows Way and "Supportive Living" - building the supports around a person to successfully live in the community of his/her choice. In March 1991, Brad moved into a ranch home in St. Charles, MO. He lived with two roommates of his choosing and was part of the interview process to hire his staff. He and his roommates determined the lifestyle they wanted to live.