Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Robinson.
Ellen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Big Hearts Day Habilitation Center was born from both heartbreak and hope. As a Special Education teacher, founder Ellen Robinson witnessed a painful reality year after year—students graduating from high school with intellectual and developmental disabilities, yet having few meaningful options for what came next. Families struggled to find safe, engaging, and inclusive day programs where their loved ones could continue to grow rather than sit at home and lose hard-earned skills.
Moved by this gap, Robinson put her vision to paper and shared it with like-minded individuals who believed, as she did, that adults with disabilities deserved more. What began with faith, determination, and a shared purpose officially became Big Hearts on May 17, 2021.
Today, Big Hearts is a thriving, community-based day program serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and aging adults who have aged out of public school systems. Each weekday, participants engage in a structured yet nurturing environment focused on communication, activities of daily living, social skills, recreation, and pre-vocational development. Individualized goals are developed in partnership with families to foster independence, confidence, and meaningful community connections.
With a dedicated and experienced staff, Big Hearts has grown into more than a program—it is a place of belonging, purpose, and opportunity. From its humble beginnings to where it stands today, Big Hearts continues to live up to its name by leading with compassion, inclusion, and a deep belief in the potential of every individual it serves.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey of Big Hearts has been meaningful, but it has not been easy.
Like many grassroots nonprofit organizations, the greatest challenge has been funding. Big Hearts was built on vision, faith, and community support—not on large financial backing. Because of limited funding, the leadership and much of the staff have served on a volunteer basis, giving their time, skills, and hearts to ensure the center could open its doors and remain operational.
Despite these challenges, Big Hearts has remained steadfast in its mission. The few grants the center has been blessed to receive have been used intentionally and directly for the benefit of the clients—supporting programming, supplies, activities, and opportunities that allow participants to grow, engage, and thrive. Every dollar received has been poured back into the program, reinforcing the belief that the individuals served deserve quality, dignity, and meaningful experiences.
While the road has not been smooth, the resilience of Big Hearts reflects the commitment of those behind it. What has sustained the center is not financial abundance, but an unwavering belief in the mission, a community willing to serve, and a shared understanding that true impact is built through perseverance, sacrifice, and heart.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Big Hearts Day Habilitation Center?
Big Hearts Day Habilitation Center is a mission-driven, community-based organization created to serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and aging adults who have aged out of public school systems. What families should know first and foremost is that Big Hearts exists to fill a critical gap—providing a safe, inclusive, and purpose-filled place where adults can continue to grow, learn, and belong.
We specialize in person-centered day services that focus on communication, activities of daily living, social development, recreation, and pre-vocational skills. Our program is designed to meet individuals where they are, honoring each person’s abilities while encouraging independence, confidence, and meaningful community engagement. Every participant has individualized goals developed in partnership with their families, ensuring services are tailored—not one-size-fits-all.
What truly sets Big Hearts apart is our heart-led approach. Big Hearts was founded by a former Special Education teacher who deeply understands the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. Our program is built on compassion, dignity, and genuine relationships—not just compliance or routine. Many of our team members serve on a volunteer basis due to limited funding, which speaks volumes about the commitment, belief, and passion behind our work.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of our integrity and impact. Any funding or grants we receive are poured directly back into the program to benefit our clients—supporting enriching activities, educational opportunities, and resources that help them thrive. We are known for creating a welcoming environment where individuals are seen, valued, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.
What we want readers to know is this: Big Hearts is more than a day program—it is a family, a community, and a place of purpose. Our services are rooted in inclusion, respect, and love, and our mission remains unwavering—to provide a space where adults with disabilities can continue to learn, engage, and live meaningful lives.
How do you think about happiness?
What brings me the greatest happiness—both in life and at the center—is seeing purpose fulfilled.
At Big Hearts, happiness shows up in the small, powerful moments: a client mastering a daily living skill they once struggled with, someone who rarely engaged beginning to participate and connect, a smile that appears when a person realizes they belong. Watching adults who were once overlooked gain confidence, routine, and joy reminds me why this work matters.
The center reflects what I believe about life—that everyone deserves dignity, opportunity, and a place where they are valued. Big Hearts is not just a program; it is a reflection of love, faith, and perseverance. Even in seasons of limited funding and ongoing challenges, the joy comes from knowing that lives are being impacted every single day.
What makes me happiest is seeing growth—not just in the clients, but in the community around them. Families feel supported. Individuals feel seen. Purpose is restored. That fulfillment outweighs every obstacle.
Big Hearts affirms a simple truth that guides both my life and this mission: when you serve others with genuine love, the reward is immeasurable.
Pricing:
- For clients receiving services through the Medicaid Waiver, pricing is determined by the individual’s Level of Need. Reimbursement rates vary accordingly and may begin at $7.48 per hour, based on the approved level of care.
- For private pay clients, daily service rates begin at $53.00 per day, depending on the individual’s level of support and services required.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BigHeartsDayHab.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigheartsdayhab/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigHeartsDayHab
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigheartsdayhab
Image Credits
Big Hearts retains ownership of all images and media; however, we are happy to grant permission for their use in promotional, marketing, or educational materials.
