Our History
Our History
Embedded Files
Research for Social Change
NOIRE emerged from the recognition that human service delivery systems—particularly those supporting people with intellectual and developmental distinctions and autism—require a fundamental reimagining. The organization was founded on the conviction that authoritarian, bureaucratic organizational structures were never meant to support human flourishing and are incompatible with the theories, models, and interventions developed to meet human needs. Moreover, incremental improvements to broken systems are insufficient; transformative change demands new ways of thinking, organizing, and practicing.
Our Purpose
Our Purpose
NOIRE exists to serve as a platform for exchanging innovative, disruptive ideas through rigorous research, critical policy analysis, and comprehensive program evaluation—all leading toward transformative social change in human service delivery systems.
Our Role
Our Role
We position ourselves at the vanguard of the transition from machine-age to systems-age thinking in human services—generating research, elevating the voice of the supports coordinator, developing frameworks, and providing consultation that enables this paradigmatic shift.
The Incompatibility Thesis
The Incompatibility Thesis
NOIRE advances a core theoretical proposition: Traditional bureaucratic organizational structures are fundamentally incompatible with effective, person-centered human service delivery.
Support Coordination as a distinct Service Model
Support Coordination as a distinct Service Model
NOIRE's foundational research establishes Support Coordination as a unique professional model.
Unique Position
Unique Position
In the landscape of think tanks and research organizations NOIRE is the only think tank focused exclusively on:
Support coordination as a distinct professional model
The transition from machine-age to systems-age thinking in human service practice and organizational development
Integration of systems thinking and Gentle Teaching in organizational practice
The structural incompatibility between bureaucracy and effective human service delivery
Our Core Values
Our Core Values
Meet the Visionary
Meet the Visionary
Stephen T. Davis, MHS, PhD
With over 25 years’ experience in the Human Services field Stephen T. Davis earned his undergraduate degree from Trenton State College in 1993. A Graduate of the Lincoln University’s Masters of Human Services program, Stephen also completed his Doctoral studies at Walden University and has supported underserved populations in the behavioral/mental health, developmental disabilities and autism space at various roles throughout the east coast with organizations such Resources for Human Development, Allegheny Valley School, Enable Inc., and Shorehaven Incorporated and Public Health Management Corporation one of the largest public health institutes in the country.
Dr. Davis has been committed to supporting the needs of underserved populations and has served on the Board of Directors of ARC of Pennsylvania, Voices Rising for Justice, and the MacArthur Foundation’s Citizens’ Advocacy Committee. Dr. Davis is a member of and the Arizona Liaison for the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Davis also maintains memberships with The International Scientific Association for the Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, NAQ, and the American Public Health Association, and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. A passionate advocate for the protection of children, Dr. Davis volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Maricopa County, AZ.
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