Wayne Center
Our History
It is the mission of Wayne Center, which recognizes the dignity of each individual, to be the leading agency in Wayne County in assisting and enabling persons with disabling conditions of other behavioral health care needs to achieve optimal independence and inclusion in the community through self-determination.With over 50 years of dedicated service, Wayne Center is a non profit community mental health agency led by Dr. Darcel Lawrence . The board represents a cross-section of parents/guardians, community opinion leaders, professionals and human service providers. The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredits Wayne Center. Wayne Center provides supportive services to those individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities between the ages of 8 months and 83 years of age living in foster care homes for children and adults, community group homes and various independent living sites.
Wayne Center was created after a group of concerned parents of institutionalized residents challenged the policies and practices of state government as stewards of their special children. Wayne Center for the Retarded opened its doors in June 1973, in downtown Detroit as a human service agency dedicated to eliminating the antiquated practice of warehousing citizens with mental and developmentally disabilities. These heroic parents were appalled by the lack of quality care associated with institutional life. Their efforts lead to a broad restricting service and care for persons with mental and developmental disabilities.
Over the years Wayne Center has sharpened its focus and has caused several organizations to spring into existence. From Wayne Center’s outpatient and intake services, the Greater Detroit Life Consultation Center was born and from its guardianship services, Metro Agency was developed. In 1993, Wayne Center moved to Detroit’s New Center community making its home in the Albert Kahn building. The change in location was accompanied by unprecedented growth in the agency, a name change, and the creation of several programs, which helped build the reputation of Wayne Center. After 30 years, Wayne Center closed its doors at the Albert Kahn Building and relocated its office on July 1, 2014 to 100 River Place Drive in Detroit, MI.
