About Developmental Programs
Developmental Programs is one of four divisions of Catholic Social Services and, as such, we embrace the CSS mission, vision, core values and statement of beliefs. The scope of services offered to individuals with special needs in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is the most comprehensive in the country.
The Developmental Programs division offers person-centered services in residential, community and day program settings that promote self-determination, inclusion, and advocacy. With a diverse staff of 780 people, we support some 520 children and adults who function at various levels throughout the mental retardation spectrum. As a division, we grew as the children we first supported grew into adulthood. At the heart of our life together is faith in God.
Families find peace of mind
Families can have confidence in our commitment to their loved ones and our ability to deliver quality services. Our faith based mission encourages a warm, supportive environment where each individual is treated with love and dignity. We support the total person by addressing each one’s physical, recreational, emotional, and spiritual requirements. Our focus is on promoting quality of life. We encourage as much independence as possible for each individual we support, accepting the existing level of competence as a good beginning place.
Summary Timeline of the Developmental Programs Division
- 1916: St. Edmond’s Home for Crippled Children established in Philadelphia to serve polio victims, staffed by Sisters of Bon Secours
- 1948: St. Mary of Providence School established in Elverson by Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence to care for women with mental retardation
- 1956: St. Edmond’s Home for Crippled Children moved to Rosemont
- 1960: Don Guanella School opened in Springfield to serve boys with mental retardation, administered by Servants of Charity
- 1976: Cardinal Krol Center opened on Don Guanella Village campus to serve adult men with mental retardation
- 1984: Divine Providence Village opened in Springfield (Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence, residents and programs of St. Mary of Providence School moved to this location).
- 1987: St. Edmond’s Home for Children received Intermediate Care Facility certification. It’s mission changes from services to children with physical disabilities to services to children with a primary diagnosis of mental retardation with additional physical handicaps.
- 1987: Life Sharing through Family Living established
- 1989: CSS integrates three residential facilities as Mental Retardation Services division
- 1996: First Community Living Arrangement (CLA) opened
- 1997: Community Outreach Program established
- 2000: In-Home Supports Program established
