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Overview
In 1976 a group of parents of autistic adolescents came together to
advocate for their aging out children. Realizing that there were
no ongoing services available including residential and vocational
programs, we organized Special Citizens Futures Unlimited, Inc.
Though programs existed for those with mental retardation and other
development disabilities, few were available or appropriate for
our children. As advocates we refused to be victims. We amended
our not-for-profit corporate papers to become full fledged providers
of services. We have the support of gifted professionals who are
recognized authorities in the field.
There were no group homes to speak of and few programs available.
We re-organized Special Citizens to address the void in programs
and services.
In 1981, thanks to a prior three year grant from the Office of Mental
Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) we opened our
first group home, Cortlandt Hills, in Westchester, NY. It was not
until 1986 that we were able to open the DeClemente Group Home in
Riverdale, Bronx.
The following year we opened our first supported work program,
the Value Plus Shop (VPS), a women’s retail clothing store.
VPS has provided employment for our consumers since 1987. Our young
adults also made saleable crafts such as baby blankets, pillows
and placemats, which sell well in the community.
In 1993 we opened another group home, the Grace Cavanagh Residence.
In 1995 we opened Delafield, an apartment for two young men with Asperger’s.
In 1999 Corlear Apartments opened providing a home and support for
four men in two separate apartments. We currently have one residence
in Manhattan for a high functioning man which will be followed by
other residential programs.
Special Citizens Futures Unlimited, Inc.
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 627
New York, NY 10118
Tel: 212-643-2663
Toll free: 800-841-8251
Fax: 212-643-1244
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