Supporting the Physically
and Emotionally Challenged

Through a network of specialized services Catholic Charities cares compassionately for the most vulnerable New Yorkers. The necessary intensive care and support provided by Catholic Charities aims to respond to a variety of specific special needs, such as assisting the visually and hearing impaired, the developmentally disabled, the emotionally challenged, and the seriously ill. Catholic Charities provides assistance to those with special needs and their families so that all may live with dignity and in safety.

In any given year...

2,700

pre-school children helped through early intervention and special education classes

800

individuals cared for in safe and secure residences

1,400

individuals with mental illness supported in their own apartments

3,300

individuals receiving therapy to deal with their challenges

1000

teenagers and adults treated for substance abuse

750

visually and hearing impaired individuals participating in adaptive training

For more information about a particular program and/or service, click below:

If you need help in finding the services you need please call the Catholic Charities Help line at: 888-744-7900.

Supportive Housing for the Mentally Ill

Catholic Charities provides a continuum of housing opportunities that support people with serious and persistent mental illness. Housing options range from community residences that provide closely supervised group living arrangements, to supported housing where case managers are available to assist individuals in single room apartments as they negotiate the tasks of daily living. Residents participate in day-treatment programs and attend school, or work part or full time.

To find a Catholic Charities agency that offers supportive housing for the mentally ill click here.

If you require assistance in finding the services you need please call the Catholic Charities Help Line at: 888-744-7900.

Residences for Special Needs

Catholic Charities agencies provide professional care with compassion and dignity to individuals whose needs are too complex to be met in a home setting. These residences provide support for children living with HIV or other serious illnesses; to adults living with developmental disabilities; or to those who have may have multiple needs, such as deafness and mental illness.

Residential Programs for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Catholic Charities agencies operate a number of 24-hour care facilities in collaboration with the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD). The Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) and community-based Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) provide consumers with residential activities and support services to promote healthy and dignified lives.

Eligibility for many of these programs is determined by City and State regulations.

To find a Catholic Charities agency that offers residence for those with special needs click here.

If you require assistance in finding the services you need please call the Catholic Charities Help Line at 888-744-7900.

Early Intervention and Special Education

Early Intervention Programs

These programs serve children from birth to age three who may have a developmental delay or disability. Catholic Charities agencies provide a range of services, which include screening and evaluation, psychological testing, medical consultation, special education, family counseling, and service coordination as well as speech, physical and occupational therapies.

Special Education Pre-School

These programs serve children from ages three to five and aim to prepare those with developmental challenges for entry into the regular school system. Teachers, therapists and support staff use a developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to develop and refine skills in the areas of play, movement, socialization, language and self-help. Support is also provided to parents to manage the impact of the child's disability on their family's functioning.

Eligibility for these programs is determined by City and State regulations.

To find a Catholic Charities agency that offers early intervention and special education programs click here.

If you require assistance in finding the services you need please call the Catholic Charities Help Line at: 888-744-7900.

Caregiver Respite

Services Families of Adults or Children with Developmental Disabilities

Respite services provided by Catholic Charities allow families to leave their family member in the care of qualified professionals for a weekend or a few days to get a much needed rest. These programs also work with families to ensure that ongoing support services are available for when the adult or child returns home.

To find a Catholic Charities agency that offers caregiver respite click here.

If you require assistance in finding the services you need please call the Catholic Charities Help Line at: 888-744-7900.

Adaptive Services for the Deaf and Blind

Services for the Blind and Visually Handicapped

Catholic Charities offers specialized programs to assist those who are blind or visually handicapped to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of community life. Programs are available for both children and adults, which provide a range of services including basic education, vocational education, and instruction in using adaptive technology at home and in the work place. Staff will work with individuals to help them learn how to safely get from their homes to school, work and other locations. In addition, Catholic Charities operates the only English as a Second language instruction program for immigrants and refugees who are blind or visually impaired.

To find a Catholic Charities agency that offers adaptive services for the deaf and blind click here.

If you require assistance in finding the services you need please call the Catholic Charities Help Line at: 888-744-7900.

Services for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired

Catholic Charities provides specialized programs for those who are deaf or hearing impaired. These include educational and social services for children and adults, as well as religious education and sacramental preparation.

To find a Catholic Charities agency that offers services for the deaf and hearing impaired click here.

If you require assistance in finding the services you need please call the Catholic Charities Help Line at: 888-744-7900.