Creating Community-based, Family-governed Housing for Autistic Young Adults at St. Teresa’s Church on Staten Island 

“We learn from the example of Jesus who went to the places of daily life. He looked upon his brothers and sisters with mercy, and led them to an encounter with God the Father.” - Pope Francis

ArchCare Housing Program for Young Adults with Autism

ArchCare remains focused on Jesus’ example of bringing healing, hope and compassion to individuals and communities, including those who are underserved and often marginalized. Following the courageous example of Religious Sisters who pointed the way forward, ArchCare is discerning additional ways to provide care that will help the ministry remain socially relevant.

One of these new territories is developing a model of home care for young men and women with autism. As men and women with autism become adults, they age out of many of the educational and support services that were available to them in their youth. This lack of support places a substantial burden on families, especially parents, who are themselves aging.

Why St. Teresa's?

Saint Teresa of Calcutta and the Holy Father remind us that we have the responsibility to defend human dignity and embrace the most vulnerable among us. - His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York

Project Goals

• To enable young adults with autism to live away from their families, probably for the first time.
• To allow families to keep their children close and continue to support them in achieving greater independence.
• To help residents further develop the skills needed to live independently, so that in later life when family support may diminish due to age or death, they will be secure.