#sparkchamber 072924 — Andrew Fagan
Creating a truly inclusive community is a collective effort, and few understand this better than Andrew Fagan, our #sparkchamber guest today. As the CEO of Community Living Central York [CLCY], Andrew has dedicated his career to fostering belonging for people with developmental disabilities.
As CLCY celebrates its 70th anniversary, Andrew is steering the organization towards new horizons of innovation and community integration. His approach is refreshingly hands-on: “We’re not just providing services,” he explains, “we’re partnering with individuals to build meaningful lives and stronger communities.”
This partnership is exemplified through CLCY’s diverse range of programs: Their art program nurtures creativity and self-expression; Their employment initiatives open doors to meaningful work opportunities; Cooking classes not only teach valuable skills, but also promote independence and social connection; Life-skills training empowers individuals to navigate daily challenges with confidence. These programs form the cornerstone of CLCY’s holistic approach to fostering independence and community participation.
This commitment to community extends to Andrew’s personal life as well. He and his wife Edin, along with their combined family of five children, can often be found supporting numerous CLCY events, further strengthening the bonds within the community they serve.
In a field often challenged by limited resources, Andrew and his amazing team at CLCY showcase remarkable ingenuity. They transform obstacles into opportunities for growth, highlighting the power of community support and creative problem-solving. Crucial to this work are CLCY’s government partners, whose support and collaboration enable the organization to expand its reach and impact. These partnerships exemplify the collective commitment required to build truly inclusive communities.
Andrew’s vision for a more inclusive society remains unwavering. “Our journey is ongoing. There’s always more we can do to ensure people with developmental disabilities are empowered to make choices and live as independently as possible in inclusive communities.”
You’re invited to be part of this inspiring journey. Follow CLCY on Instagram, Facebook , and LinkedIn to discover stories of community participation, independence, and belonging. You can also visit their website and make a donation to support their vital work — every contribution drives positive change and builds communities where everyone belongs!
1.] Where do ideas come from?
Experience and empathy: My Personal experiences, interactions, and empathy play a significant role when advocating for our Community Living Central York individuals and staff. Understanding the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their needs can inspire and motivate me. From a young age I have “LOVED” collaborating with others, organizations, and colleagues that allows for shared insights and creative problem-solving. Conversation with diverse stakeholders ensures I gather well-rounded perspectives. I thrive when engaging with our individuals supported directly — listening to their voices, concerns, and aspirations — can spark my advocacy ideas. My community-driven partnerships/initiatives often lead to impactful internal discussions and program enhancements. I am always looking at ways to grow and improve!
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
My persistent urge to make a positive impact, create change, and promote inclusivity. By understanding the needs of others, I am directly scratching my itch! Every day I keep advocating, and I am tenacious about making a difference — no matter what challenges present themselves to me, the organization, and my team!
3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?
Early bird — my productivity peaks early at home when it’s quiet, the coffee is hot, and I’ve had a good night’s sleep! I love arriving at the office between 8:00 – 8:30 am, saying “good morning” to everyone!
Hare full-on sprint my entire life, gear 5 in everything I do — “ask the CLCY leadership team” — but they are good at telling me to take a breath and shift into 4th gear [at least until they have had their coffee]. I respect my TEAM immensely; they bring me balance.
4.] How do you know when you are done?
When I am falling asleep and snoring, often during a playoff game. Honestly, leadership, in my opinion, isn’t about being done; it’s about evolving, supporting others, and making a positive impact.