Heartland Independent Living Center, a 501c(3) non-profit corporation, was established in July of 2002 to be a branch office of Disabled Citizens Alliance for Independence in Viburnum, to provide independent living services to consumers in Franklin, Gasconade & Maries Counties. Prior to its establishment, these counties were part of the catchment area of two other IL centers. However, since the counties were outside the primary catchment areas of the other CIL’s, the residents were unserved or underserved.

Heartland was opened as a branch office of DCAI with the intent of becoming free standing in two years. After four years, approval of this plan was finally given by Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, State Independent Living Council and the two centers designated to serve the area. Support for this plan came from local service providers and legislators.

Heartland began seeking state funding in July 2004. Funding was approved in the Missouri state budget for Fiscal Year 2007. As a result, Heartland became a freestanding Center for Independent Living on July 1, 2006.