Rose's Story

Rose suffers from severe physical disabilities and mental retardation and has been institutionalized her whole life. At age 45 she moved to one of St. Agatha Home's Individualized Residential Alternatives. Rose suffered from uncontrollable outbursts and violent tantrums. She was destructive and refused to bathe or take care of herself. The staff had their hands full, but with patience, Rose began to change. She felt comfortable in her new home, and her personality became increasingly pleasant. She became cooperative and helpful, and started taking classes in writing, social skills, and good communication. Rose visits often with family members and is particularly attached to her sister, Brenda. She is also very involved in the community and loves outings to movies, trips to the beauty parlor, and evenings of dancing. Rose has developed a vitality and love of life that was missing for the first 45 years of her life. "This woman is amazing," said Carol, the director of Pelham Manor IRA. "The changes in her life, the progress she has made. It's miraculous."

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