Dignity at Every Stage of Life: Supporting Adults with Developmental Disabilities
October 20, 2026
A home is more than a place to live. It is where relationships are built, routines take shape, memories are made, and a sense of belonging grows.
For more than four decades, Catholic Guardian Services has supported adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through its Developmental Disabilities Services Program. Established in 1978, the program today operates 13 24-hour, community-based residential homes for adults with a wide range of intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum.
The goal is not simply to provide a place to live. Support is designed around each individual’s goals, choices, health needs, relationships, and ability to participate meaningfully in the community. Catholic Guardian Services uses a person-centered approach, working in partnership with individuals, families, advocates, medical providers, and an interdisciplinary clinical team as needs change over time.
One recent transition shows what that approach can look like in practice.
An individual who has lived within the Catholic Guardian Services community for many years began needing a more accessible living environment as his health and mobility needs evolved. Working closely with his family, medical providers, and interdisciplinary team, DDSP staff identified another Catholic Guardian Services residence that could provide the additional support he needed while allowing him to remain connected to the community and relationships that had become an important part of his life.
Transitions can be difficult, particularly when someone is leaving a familiar home and routine. Staff remained alongside him throughout the process—accompanying him to appointments, coordinating care, offering reassurance, and helping make the transition as comfortable and familiar as possible.
That ability to adapt is increasingly important. In 2025, Catholic Guardian Services supported 74 individuals in its residential homes. Nearly half of residents—46 percent—were age 50 or older, while 36 percent had spent more than half of their adult lives in Catholic Guardian Services’ care. Residents receive 24-hour support with daily living, health needs, relationships, and meaningful community engagement.
For people with developmental disabilities, living independently does not always mean living without support. It can mean having choices, meaningful relationships, appropriate assistance, and a home where a person can continue to grow and thrive as circumstances change.
At Catholic Guardian Services, person-centered care means growing and adapting alongside the individuals we serve—helping ensure that each person can continue to live with independence, dignity, purpose, and connection at every stage of life.
We are grateful to Jessie Jabbour, Assistant Executive Director of Developmental Disability Services, and the entire DDSP team for the compassion, advocacy, and commitment they bring to this work every day.
About Catholic Guardian Services
Catholic Guardian Services (CGS) is a nonprofit social service agency serving children and families across the five boroughs of New York City. With roots dating to 1887 and legal incorporation in 1913, CGS provides foster care and adoption services, children's mental health care through its Family Counseling and Wellness Center and school-based clinics, family support programs including Harmony Hub in the Bronx, an Unaccompanied Children's Program, and residential and community services for people with developmental disabilities. CGS provides these services under the oversight of New York City, New York State and federal agencies, including the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS), the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). CGS serves all who need help regardless of faith, race or background. CGS is sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York and headquartered at 488 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022. Phone: (212) 371-1000. Donate or learn more at catholicguardian.org.