A History That Paved the Way for a Boundless Future

In 1980, long before emails and Zoom calls, when grant proposals clacked away on typewriters, one man was given a monumental task: build a residential service program for the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities from the ground up. That man was Ed Harper, and his vision laid the foundation for what is now Boundless—a nonprofit that serves 6,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) every year.

At its start, Franklin County Residential Services (FCRS) was little more than an idea—and Harper himself was its only employee. His first job? Draft a five-year plan. By the end of that first year, a four-member board of trustees was in place, and staff had been hired to bring his vision to life.

By 1982, FCRS had established a few supported living locations, offering individuals with I/DD the chance to live in their own homes or apartments with just the right amount of staff support. This model—flexible and tailored to each person's needs—quickly gained traction, and before long, FCRS was serving more than 100 residential and supported living clients.

Growth continued at a steady pace. By 1988, the organization had opened several new residential facilities, including the Kimberly Woods, McDowell, Morse, and Dierker homes—which are still in operation today. From the start, FCRS made a promise to provide the highest quality care, a commitment that has endured for decades. In fact, several of the individuals who first moved into these homes in the 1980s are still receiving support through Boundless today.

For years, FCRS focused primarily on residential and respite services. Then, in 2004, a major shift occurred: FCRS formally separated from the Franklin County Board of DD and became an independent, private nonprofit. Under Harper’s leadership, the organization continued to thrive, maintaining its high-quality care and strong staffing.

After 35 years of dedicated service, Harper retired in 2015, passing the torch to Dr. Patrick Maynard, PhD. With new leadership came fresh ideas and bold plans for the future.

In 2017, FCRS rebranded as I Am Boundless—a name that reflected a growing vision beyond residential care. The change was necessary; despite having operated independently for over a decade, many still associated the organization with the county board due to its name. But Maynard had bigger plans.

Soon after, Boundless merged with Step-By-Step Academy, a Worthington-based autism service provider. With the merger, Boundless acquired the 45-acre former home of Harding Hospital—one of the earliest psychiatric programs in the country, founded by President Warren G. Harding’s brother. Today, Boundless headquarters remains in this historic space, where innovation in care continues.

Boundless hasn’t slowed down since then, expanding into new areas and service lines and merging with several other I/DD service providers. In 2022, it opened Boundless Health, a first-of-its-kind clinic on the Worthington Campus offering primary care, dental services, and behavioral health care—all in one location. Designed specifically for individuals with I/DD, the clinic features sensory rooms to help overwhelmed patients decompress and clinicians trained to provide specialized care. It’s a groundbreaking approach to whole-person health.

From its modest beginnings, Boundless has grown into a powerhouse with services spanning counties across Ohio. What started as a mission to support a few hundred people in Franklin County now touches the lives of 6,000 individuals statewide.

Behind this success stands a dedicated team of over 3,000 staff members—the heart and soul of Boundless. From direct support professionals to clinicians, educators, and administrators, their dedication has transformed Boundless from a small residential program into a statewide leader in I/DD services. Their work is guided by a passionate Board of Trustees, made up of 21 members whose expertise in areas like strategic marketing, IT leadership, dentistry, and accounting helps steer the organization forward. Many board members have loved ones with I/DD, and some have I/DD diagnoses themselves, but they all share a deep understanding of what it means to build a world that realizes the boundless potential of all.