5 years, 9 selections, $2,439 in donations
For 75 years, Community Resources Staten Island has empowered individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build meaningful lives through education, employment, community engagement, and pathways to greater independence.
Founded by families who believed their loved ones deserved the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in their own community, Community Resources Staten Island has grown into one of the borough’s most comprehensive providers of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What began as a grassroots effort has evolved into an organization that supports hundreds of children and adults each year through residential, educational, vocational, and community-based programs.
Creating Opportunities for Growth and Independence
“We want people to know that individuals with disabilities can contribute in meaningful ways both inside and outside our walls,” said Chief Operating Officer Michael DeGrottole. “Our goal is to help people build skills, gain confidence, and become active members of the community.”
The organization currently operates 15 group homes, with two additional homes under development, along with supportive apartments, a preschool serving 80 children, and a day habilitation program supporting approximately 160 adults. In total, Community Resources Staten Island serves more than 350 individuals across the borough and employs more than 350 staff members, making it one of Staten Island’s largest employers.
To enrich participants’ lives and foster greater independence, Community Resources Staten Island offers a range of hands-on learning experiences. Through its 4,000-square-foot garden and urban farm, horticulture workshops, and hydroponic growing systems, individuals gain practical skills while learning how to grow their own food. Participants can also engage in music therapy, movement, and dance programs that foster creativity, confidence, and connection.
Many of these enriching programs are made possible through private donations and community support.
“The funding we receive from the state supports our core services and programs,” DeGrottole explained. “Enrichment opportunities such as horticulture workshops, music therapy, dance, and other specialized activities often require additional support through donations and fundraising efforts. These programs enhance the experience of the individuals we serve and bring added creativity and innovation to our work.”
Building Pathways to Employment and Inclusion
Helping individuals find meaningful employment is one of Community Resources Staten Island’s most important goals. Through supported employment and vocational training programs, participants develop workplace skills and receive job coaching as they transition into community jobs.
“When someone gets a job, it’s a huge celebration.”
Recently, the organization celebrated a participant who secured a position at Chick-fil-A, a milestone that generated excitement throughout Community Resources Staten Island. The participant was thrilled, and staff members shared in that joy, viewing the accomplishment as the culmination of hard work, perseverance, and support. DeGrottole recalled the buzz throughout the building as employees celebrated what meaningful employment can make possible.
“When someone gets a job, it’s a huge celebration,” said DeGrottole. “You’re earning something for yourself, and that creates a different level of meaning in your life. We see participants become reliable, dedicated employees, and that’s a message we want the community to hear.”
For the team at Community Resources Staten Island, employment is about far more than a paycheck. It represents confidence, independence, and a chance for individuals to discover their own potential while making meaningful contributions to their communities.
Community partnerships play a critical role in helping Community Resources Staten Island achieve that goal. Over the past five years, the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program has generated nearly $2,500 for Community Resources Staten Island. While those funds support enrichment programs that foster creativity, confidence, and personal growth, the program’s greatest impact may be its ability to introduce new audiences to the organization’s mission. By sparking conversations among shoppers and increasing visibility throughout the community, Stop and Shop’s Community Bag program helps raise awareness of the services, support, and pathways to independence available through Community Resources Staten Island.
“This partnership helps people better understand who we are and the impact we have in the community,” said Director of Development Mackenzie Iburg-Billera. “Many people may be familiar with one aspect of our work, but the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program helps showcase the full range of services and programs we provide.”
By sparking conversations among shoppers and increasing visibility throughout the community, Stop and Shop’s Community Bag program helps raise awareness of the services, support, and pathways to independence available through Community Resources Staten Island.
As a longtime Staten Island resident, Iburg-Billera has seen firsthand how the program sparks conversations throughout the community, introducing more people to Community Resources Staten Island’s mission and creating meaningful connections with potential supporters, families, employers, and community partners.
Stop & Shop’s support of Community Resources Staten Island extends beyond fundraising and awareness. One participant has built a successful career at her local Stop & Shop store, where she has worked for nearly 18 years, gaining confidence, independence, financial stability, and a strong connection to her community. Her nearly two decades of employment demonstrate the lasting value of inclusive hiring, providing stability, purpose, and independence for the employee while giving the employer a dedicated, committed team member. Together, the Community Bag Program and long-term employment partnerships demonstrate how businesses can play a meaningful role in creating more inclusive communities while helping individuals of all abilities thrive.
Together, the Community Bag Program and long-term employment partnerships demonstrate how businesses can play a meaningful role in creating more inclusive communities while helping individuals of all abilities thrive.
Investing in the Future
While Community Resources Staten Island continues to celebrate successes today, its leadership team is also investing in the future. A complete renovation of one existing residence will help aging individuals remain in the place they call home, while two new group homes are being developed to support young adults as they transition from residential school programs into the next chapter of their lives.
For Executive Director Mary Rafferty, one of the organization’s greatest strengths is something visitors notice immediately.
“I hope people will come visit,” she said. “The atmosphere here is special. People often tell us how welcoming and positive it feels. Seeing what we do in person gives you a completely different understanding of the impact.”
Rafferty believes a visit is the best way to understand the organization’s culture, meet the people it serves, and witness firsthand the energy, connection, and sense of belonging that make Community Resources Staten Island unique.
The organization welcomes tours from prospective families, community partners, employers, donors, and anyone interested in learning more about its mission.
“I hope people will come visit,” she said. “The atmosphere here is special. People often tell us how welcoming and positive it feels. Seeing what we do in person gives you a completely different understanding of the impact.”
In addition to financial support, Community Resources Staten Island encourages community members to get involved through volunteerism, event participation, and employment partnerships that create meaningful jobs for program participants.
“We’re always looking to build relationships,” said Chief Financial Officer Anna Opsha. “Whether it’s supporting our programs, attending an event, or providing employment opportunities, those connections make a lasting difference for the people we serve.”
The organization’s commitment to growth and belonging extends to its employees as well. As one of Staten Island’s largest employers, Community Resources Staten Island offers competitive wages, a strong benefits package, and clear paths for career advancement for Direct Support Professionals and other staff members who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.
With every life enriched, every barrier removed, and every new milestone reached, the organization continues to build a stronger, more inclusive Staten Island for all.
“People often talk about the positive energy they feel when they visit,” said Rafferty. “That same spirit extends to our staff. This is a place where you can build a career while helping others build meaningful lives.”
Behind every program, job placement, and community partnership is a person discovering new confidence, greater independence, and a renewed belief in what is possible. For 75 years, Community Resources Staten Island has helped individuals realize their potential while demonstrating the power of inclusion, belonging, and community support. With every life enriched, every barrier removed, and every new milestone reached, the organization continues to build a stronger, more inclusive Staten Island for all.
Whether you’re interested in scheduling a tour, exploring career opportunities, attending an upcoming event, or supporting its mission, learn more at https://cr-si.org/.
Published August 26, 2026.