The Don Guanella Center has eight individual guest rooms, each with its own attractive decor. Guests are encouraged to use their skills learned at home or through day programs to help keep their rooms and surroundings comfortable and in order. Our staff assists in keeping all areas clean, orderly, and attractive.

Each day, guests receive good, nutritious meals prepared by our staff. Snacks are also provided every day. Laundry services are included; each night clothes are washed and then returned to guests rooms the following morning.

Depending on the specific circumstances of transportation, time spent at the Center allows our guests to continue their everyday programs or to enjoy well deserved personal days off or a vacation.

Every guest is important. Each one is expected to follow simple rules of good order and courtesy, respecting the rights of all, so that the common good of all is preserved and protected.

The Center serves nearly a hundred families. Emergencies which arise in an individual guest’s family or life are accommodated if at all possible. Guests and their families are encouraged to plan ahead by reserving a room in advance. Weekends and holidays are in high demand and planning ahead ensures a room will be available.

Activities

Recreational, social, religious, and leisure activities are provided through planned activities such as movies, bowling, parties, shopping trips, and special events in our own chapel and/or in the community. Arts and crafts or table games can round out a quiet afternoon or evening along with listening to good music or watching TV or a video/DVD from our in-home audio-video library.

Our Staff

Our staff is recruited from the surrounding area and are trained to be guest-centered, friendly, and helpful. Those who administer medications have been certified by the American Red Cross and DMR. All staff are trained in First Aid and CPR. Our employees are considered to be one of the most valuable resources the Center has to offer to guests and their families. They are sensitive to the individual needs of each guest.

Who is eligible?

Individuals who are interested in our services can apply through their DMR Service Coordinator in their geographical area. To be considered eligible for our services an individual must have a primary diagnosis of Mental Retardation and be eighteen years or older. Guests with multiple handicaps and/or disabilities will also find gentle, caring service. Don Guanella Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin. Flexible funding is available to all who qualify, however, in-house respite at the Center is reserved for female guests only. Pre-placement visits are required and all paperwork must be completed before admission is confirmed.

How much does it cost?

Normal rates for nightly guests are $135.00 per night, a cost usually funded through the Department of Mental Retardation of the Commonwealth and/or other agencies. Full day-only rates (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) are $40.00 per day and include meals and activities. All financial matters are confidential and individual needs are taken into consideration.

Don Guanella Center is owned and operated by the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, a Catholic order of religious sisters. The sisters have been providing services to the developmentally disabled for over one hundred years in various countries throughout the world. Father (“Don” - in Italian) Louis Guanella is the founder of this religious community; therefore, the Center is named in his honor.

The Friends of Don Guanella are people who support the Center through prayer, fundraising or contributing their time and interest through donations and/or participation in fund raising activities.

The Don Guanella Advisory Board is composed of parents, guardians, business people, and others interested in our center and the guests we serve. Members help to organize and sponsor benefits especially the two main fundraisers each year: a DINNER THEATRE in November and a PASTA FEST in February.

The Human Rights Committee which is composed of representatives of the families served, various professionals, and members of the community at large meets quarterly to review policies and particular incidents that may have occurred in order to ensure that the rights of all are safeguarded.