Family Empowerment Council (FEC) is a grassroots, family-oriented, person-centered agency made up of parents, consumers, and professionals. We are firmly committed to the belief that every individual should be included in the community to whatever extent he or she chooses. Each person should be informed about the choices available in life and be provided the ways and means to access those choices, thus making decisions at whatever level possible. People with disabilities should be part of the natural system within their own community. Most of FEC's programs are available to families in Orange and Sullivan Counties of New York State.

FEC is aware that the various types of services needed by individuals with disabilities throughout their lifespan are not always readily available. Through creativity and dedication we explore possibilities and strategies that allow a consumer to reach for outcomes which may be beyond the standard procedures and options of traditional services. FEC is committed to the goal that advocacy work is needed in the community in order to meet the specific plans and choices of individuals.

Using a team approach, FEC personnel get to know each individual we serve. By speaking with the individual with the disability, as well as friends and family members of the individual, we learn the needs and wants of that individual. The strengths, weaknesses, gifts, talents, skills, likes and dislikes of each individual are used to develop a person-centered plan allowing him/her to reflect on and improve the quality of his/her life.