“I love this house.” – Allie
“I can do more stuff here than at my parents.” – Jessica
“I love living here, independently, because I made a lot of new friends.” – Erin
“It’s like getting to know a whole new community.” – Andrew
These are real quotes from some of the 70 residents at Mainstay’s Supportive Housing program. Our unique program has been in operation since 2010, serving 7 residents with a variety of disabilities.
We’ve grown to seven houses over the years, meeting the growing need for independent living options for people who don’t qualify for state funded housing programs.
Residents of Supportive Housing Find More Than Independence
“The majority of people served by DDS, MRC, Masshealth, and DMH don’t qualify for paid residential support, which is why we started this model in the first place,” says Doreen Cummings, the Director of In Home Supports at Mainstay. “People with disabilities are no different than anyone else who wants to experience living outside their parents home, and to have a place of their own, independent from family caregivers.”
Mainstay is proud the supportive housing option was created in 2010 and is still on the menu of choices for individuals and families. We give folks with mild to moderate disabilities a chance to experience the typical life cycle of moving out of their parent’s home when they’re adults and ready for a supported living setting.”
Mainstay operates seven supported living homes in Norwood, Walpole, Newton, and Malden. Residents find more than independence. They find friends, grow together, have fun together, and become a part of these Greater Boston communities.
Activities and Social Outings
Residents typically access work and day programs in the area for daytime support. Mainstay support staff provide.
- Daily Activities of Living: cueing and supervision throughout the tasks
- Overnight Emergency Supervision: through live-in staff, onsite in every home
- Dinner 365 nights/year
- Weekly House Meetings
- Self Advocacy and Human Rights Training
- Weekly Bowling League
- Weekly BINGO Nights
- Parties, Movie Nights and other Events.
“Our end goal is for folks to be happy, to experience life outside of their family home, to thrive in every way possible, and to feel pride living independently,” Doreen adds. “This housing model also lets parents, caregivers, and family members have their own time, as well, encouraging all to live life to the fullest.”
Our Supportive Housing Locations
JCR Supported Housing, Norwood and Walpole
Our homes in Norwood and Walpole offer our adult residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to thrive living independently in a safe environment. They’re surrounded by their peers in a vibrant residential setting.
Cedar House, Malden
Our beautiful home in Malden (just outside of Boston) offers supportive housing for adults with mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Residents have opportunities to build new friendships and social connections.
Hasseltine House, Newton
Our home in a safe residential neighborhood offers housing for adults with a variety of abilities and needs who would benefit from specialized services. The PATH program supports individuals who are looking for a stepping stone to move from their family home or residential school, to Hasseltine House, and then to a more independent living setting.
Want More Information or a Tour?
We welcome residents ages 22 and up who can live happily and independently in a supportive setting, with daily staff support and an inclusive community of peers.
Feel free to contact Doreen Cummings directly for an informational call or to set up a tour.:
Email: doreen.cummings@mainstayliving.org
Phone: 617-799-6739
