The DOF-St Mary’s CLCC
Providing choice where none existed
Medical advances and technology have allowed medically fragile young adults to have a longer life expectancy than was possible just a decade ago. As children,… READ MORE >
Imagine Academy for Autism
Imagine Academy is a school for children with autism ages 5-21, located in Brooklyn, New York. Imagine was founded in 2005 by parents of affected children. Their vision is to create a place where a multidisciplinary school, a resource center for the entire family and a residential facility for those who require full time care. This integrated approach gives children with autism the best chance to reach their fullest potential.
Imagine is currently at full capacity with 15 students and 23 staff, a 1:1 ratio. Plans are under way to expand into a much larger facility. The new facility will be approximately 12,000 square feet, encompassing state-of-the-art therapy rooms, classrooms and a swimming pool. It is scheduled to open by March, 2010 and will be a dream come true for many families affected by autism.
With a loan from The DOF, Imagine will be able to expand student capacity from 17 to 34
The Cottage
The first of its kind in Darien Connecticut, this house provides the six residents with a permanent home in an environment that allows them to engage in independent and group activities which enhance their lives. A professional staff assists the residents 24/7 in making choices, enjoying everyday life, achieving goals and living with dignity.
The project is a five year mini-perm loan providing affordable housing for six young adults with developmental disabilities in Darien, Connecticut. The loan was completed in partnership with the Leviticus Fund, a loan fund in New York.
Rebuilding Homes
In 2009, The DOF and United Way partnered to assist families who need renovations to make their homes accessible.
“Mary Jane” was living in a nursing home because her home was not accessible. She was unable to use the steps into her home, the doorways were too narrow, and the bathroom was not accessible. The DOF United Way partnership provided the necessary funds to cover the cost of the renovations. “Mary Jane” has moved back and is able to enjoy her home and able to enjoy her family.
The DOF-St Mary’s CLCC
Providing choice where none existed
Medical advances and technology have allowed medically fragile young adults to have a longer life expectancy than was possible just a decade ago. As children, care may have been provided in home or community settings, but as adults, the acuity of this population is of such magnitude that the level of care is often provided in an institutional setting. Today, a segment of this growing population can achieve health and developmental outcomes that previously seemed impossible. Without intervention, these young adults will eventually spend the rest of their lives in a skilled geriatric nursing facility unless an age-appropriate setting is created.
The Vision
The Continuing Life Care Community (CLCC) will provide the emerging, medically fragile young adult population the opportunity to live in the least restrictive campus-like setting, receive the necessary medical and rehabilitative care, socialization, education, and vocational training required to enhance their quality of life.
About St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children
St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children has been a pioneer in post-acute rehabilitation and medical care for medically fragile children for more than 140 years. Confronted with young adults “aging out” of its programs, St. Mary’s recognizes the demand and desperate need for a care setting that is capable of providing age-appropriate services to which these young adults are accustomed.
The Partnership
The DOF and St. Mary’s began their partnership in 2008 with the goal of bringing the CLCC from vision to reality. St. Mary’s expertise in the realm of medically fragile children combined with The DOF’s expertise in providing innovative financial solutions has brought much progress to date.
