Community Services for Every1

Our Beginning: In December 1989, a new agency was launched in WNY as a support for people who had a developmental disability and who lived out in the community and/or wanted to live as independently as possible. Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled was founded by Mark R. Foley and a team of 50 staff members out of a storefront building on Hertel Avenue in Buffalo.

Our Specialty: Stepping in to fill crucial community & individual needs was the agency’s hallmark from the outset. Community Services pioneered the first domestic violence shelter for people with developmental disabilities in the nation. Community Services also developed specialized services and programs for people struggling with intense life issues such as homelessness, co-occuring mental illness, substance abuse or involvement in the criminal justice system.

Almost 30 years of Growth: The agency’s growth over the years has been remarkable. Besides becoming one of the largest providers of Community Habilitation in WNY, Community Services developed and operates 42 small housing residences (IRAs) and 142 affordable housing units. The agency also provides a wide variety of Habilitation, Vocational, Respite and Behavioral Services. We help families, youth and adults from inner-city areas to small towns, with limited access to services, find supports to meet their needs and go after their dreams.