Empowering Lives, Connecting Communities

Logo for Diversified Community Services featuring stylized initials D, C, and S with the company name in cursive.

Diversified Community Services, INC, provides Community Engagement, Community Coaching and Sponsored Residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We help people connect, grow, and thrive in their communities with the support of compassionate, professional staff.

Meet the Team

  • A woman sitting at a desk, wearing a black top with puffed sleeves, gold hoop earrings, and jewelry including rings and a bracelet, in an office with white shelves and a computer in the background.

    Mrs. Betty Brister

    FOUNDER/ Executive Director

    Mrs. Betty Brister is a visionary leader and the driving force behind the creation of Diversified Community Services, Inc. With a distinguished career in the human services field, she has dedicated her life to empowering individuals across the lifespan, including adults, adolescents, and children, by ensuring access to meaningful supports, resources, and opportunities for growth. With years of leadership experience as a former Administrator and extensive hands-on knowledge of service delivery, Mrs. Brister brings a wealth of expertise, compassion, and strategic vision to the organization. Her commitment to excellence and her belief in the value and potential of every individual serve as the foundation of the services provided by Diversified Community Services, Inc.

    Known for her genuine compassion, advocacy, and dedication to helping others, Mrs. Brister is passionate about building bridges between individuals, families, and communities. She continues to champion person-centered services that promote independence, inclusion, and empowerment, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.

  • A woman with curly, reddish-brown hair, wearing a grey top, pink lipstick, a gold necklace with a key pendant, smiling in a room with white shelves in the background.

    Ms. Sherrell Banks-Smiley, MS, ASDI

    Co-Founder/ Program Director

    Sherrell Banks-Smiley is a dedicated and visionary leader with more than 20 years of experience serving individuals (children, adolescents and adults) with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and mental health. She holds a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in psychology and is a certified Autism Informed Professional, bringing extensive knowledge, clinical insight, and a deep commitment to advocacy and person-centered support. Throughout her career, Sherrell has been recognized for her compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication to empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. As Program Director, she leads with a strong belief that every person deserves dignity, respect, meaningful choices, and opportunities to thrive within their community.

    Her leadership is rooted in creating inclusive, supportive environments that promote independence, personal growth, and quality of life. Through a combination of expertise, passion, and a commitment to excellence, Sherrell continues to champion innovative community-based services that inspire confidence, foster belonging, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.

  • Abigail Cooley

    Residential Assistant

    Abigail Cooley is a dedicated and experienced Residential Assistant who brings several years of hands-on experience supporting individuals in residential settings. Her commitment to providing compassionate, reliable, and person-centered support makes her an essential member of the Diversified Community Services, Inc. team. In her role as a Residential Assistant, Abigail works closely with Sponsored Residential Providers to help ensure that individuals receive consistent, individualized supports that promote their health, safety, independence, dignity, and overall quality of life. She assists with the implementation of individualized support plans, daily living activities, community participation, communication, and other supports based on each individual’s unique needs and preferences.

    Abigail also plays an important role in supporting Sponsored Residential Providers with maintaining quality service delivery and compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulatory expectations. Through ongoing communication, observation, documentation, and collaboration, she helps promote consistency and accountability within the residential setting.

    Her dedication to person-centered care and her ability to build positive relationships with individuals, families, and residential providers contribute to a supportive environment where the people we serve are empowered to grow, participate, and thrive in their communities.

Who we are

Empowering Lives, Connecting Communities

At Diversified Community Services, INC, we are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through our Community Engagement, Community Coaching, and Sponsored Residential Services programs. Rooted in the values and guidance set forth by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), our services are designed to promote personal growth, foster independence, and create lasting connections within the community.

We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to live a full, engaged life to explore interests, build relationships, and contribute to their community in ways that are meaningful to them. Our compassionate and professional staff are dedicated to walking alongside each individual, supporting their goals with dignity, respect, and unwavering encouragement.

Whether it's volunteering, participating in recreational outings, learning new skills, or engaging in community-based projects, our programs are built to nurture confidence, expand opportunities, and celebrate each person’s unique potential.

When you choose Diversified Community Services, you’re not just accessing services you’re becoming part of a supportive, person-centered team that genuinely cares. Join us and discover how Community Engagement, Community Coaching and Sponsored Residential Services, can open new doors and transform everyday experiences into empowering journeys.

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Our Person-Centered Approach

We don’t just follow a person-centered model we live it. At Diversified Community Services, our programs are built around the individual, not the other way around. We take the time to truly understand each person’s strengths, dreams, and goals crafting support that reflects who they are and where they want to go. It's more than care it’s a commitment to helping people lead self-directed, fulfilling lives on their own terms.

What We Offer

  • Community Engagement

    We support individuals in participating in meaningful volunteer activities, social groups, and community events—fostering personal development and stronger community ties.

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  • Community Coaching

    Our one-on-one support model helps individuals achieve personal goals, build skills, and engage confidently in community life with guidance tailored to their unique needs.

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  • Sponsored Residential Services

    Sponsored Residential Services provide individualized, person-centered residential support in a licensed authorized sponsor’s home for individuals with developmental disabilities who require ongoing assistance to live successfully in a community setting. The service is designed to promote health, safety, independence, skill development, socialization, and meaningful community participation while supporting the individual’s goals as identified in their person-centered plan

Sponsored Residential Services

  • At Diversified Community Services, Inc. (DCS), we believe that everyone deserves more than a place to live—they deserve a home where they feel safe, valued, respected, loved, and truly connected.

  • Our Sponsored Residential Services are designed to provide individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live in a structured, nurturing, and family-oriented home environment while receiving individualized supports that promote independence, personal choice, dignity, meaningful relationships, and participation in the community.

  • We proudly refer to our sponsored residential homes as “Forever Homes” because our goal is not simply to provide residential placement. Our goal is to create a lasting sense of belonging, stability, family, and community.

  • At Diversified Community Services, Inc., we are looking for individuals and families who are:

    Commitment to Person-Centered Care

    Safe and Appropriate Home Environment

    Apply at Diversified Community Services, INC

    Background Checks and References

    Assessment and Approval by DCS

    Required Training, Ability to Provide Daily Supports

    Supervision and Availability

    Compliance and Documentation

    HCBS Settings Requirements

Diversified Community Services

Forever Homes.

One of Our

Forever Homes.

Driven by curiosity check out our latest available home in the prominent area of Harbor View in Northern Suffolk,

Take glance at this beautiful place!
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Why Choose Us?

✓ Compassionate and experienced staff
✓ Person-centered approach
✓ Inclusive and engaging programming
✓ Aligned with DBHDS service standards

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  • A man standing outdoors in a park flying a colorful rainbow kite.

    Explore it.

  • People playing ping pong indoors, with some watching in the background.

    Learn it.

  • A man and woman happily cooking together in a modern kitchen, with a person preparing food in the background.

    Make it.

  • Two women shopping together in a grocery store aisle, looking at snack products on the shelves.

    Teach it.

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Discover how Diversified Community Services, INC, can make a difference in your life or your loved one’s. We’re here to help you succeed every step of the way.

Join the team

Why Work With Us?

Join our team and make a real impact! At Diversified Community Services, INC, we’re more than just a workplace we’re a mission-driven family that values compassion, integrity, and inclusion. As part of our team, you’ll play a vital role in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their goals and live meaningful lives. We offer a supportive work environment, ongoing training, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you’re passionate about making a difference, we want to hear from you!

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Join Us

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Ready to Learn More or Get Started? We’d Love to Hear From You!