Bishop Grady Villas

My sister was a resident at Bishop Grady Villas for 10 years. She has Down's Syndrome, but after having lived with my parents for her entire life, she was able to live in an independent yet still loving, nurturing environment where she thrived. She was in Special Olympics for years, a program which was supported by BGV so she had the oopportunity to continue. She was able through it to build confidence and a true sense of accomplishment and comradary through her involvement in it.
They went on field trips, shopping trips, and always had something going on. Additionally, they had classes to teach them interviewing and job skills so that if they chose they could work in the community
The staff treat the residents with patience and respect. The environment is one of a large loving family. There's a resident advisor in each building so there is always assistance if needed, but the feeling for the residents is still one of independence. I can't say enough about the peace of mind my family had, knowing she was in a safe place with people who cared about her and all the residents and helped them learn to live independently.

My son has been a resident of Bishop Grady Villas for three years. I rest easy knowing that he is receiving great care from a loving, competent staff. His independence has blossomed and his health is greatly improved.

My daughter-in-law's sister, a resident of Bishop Grady Villas for 8 years, has been afforded so
many opportunities that she may not have had otherwise. This lovely young woman, has matured
in her ability to make decisions and strengthened her social skills and self -confidence.
As an employee at Sea World, she has learned responsibility and enjoys more independence. She is proud of her job and likes to show relatives and friends around when they come for visits!
She is better able to integrate into the surrounding community by attending fitness classes,
volunteering and is involved in church activities.
A chance to participate in the Special Olympics has been a great experience! Her hard work
and determination helped her place 1st is events in both 2011 and 2012.
Many thanks to Bishop Grady Villas for their loving care and continued commitment to all the residents.

My sister-in-law has been a resident at Bishop Grady Villas for almost 8 years and I've watched her grow into a more resposible and independent person thanks to the helpful and caring staff at Bishop Grady. The Bishop Grady community provides my sister-in-law, and the other residents, a safe place participate in a variety of activities (gardening, social events, trips to the beach and Disney, etc), and they help and support her with her job at Sea World. Bishop Grady Villas is truly a wonderful place and I would highly recommend this special community to others.

My brother has been a resident of Bishop Grady Villas for almost five years, and our family is indebted to Bishop Grady for the care and caring that he has received. He is mentally retarded and has cerebral palsy. Prior to that he lived in a group home where he was left alone or regimented into submission. He was healthy and safe, but was very unhappy, with no socialization and very few activities. Since he has moved to Bishop Grady, he is healthy and happy. He receives assistance with his medical care as well as hygiene and medications. He is encouraged to take part in dozens of activities, but chooses mostly socializing, riding his bike, fishing, going to church. He has started to come out of his shell. Our father, John, passed away in 2010. I could not believe the outpouring of care and support that my brother received, not just from the wonderful staff but also from the residents. Everyone at Bishop Grady is compassionate, competent and fun. I cannot see my brother anywhere else.

My sister has lived at BGV for almost eight years. The enviornment, activities, & assistance that the facility provides has helped her to gain her confidence and shown her how to think/act independently. Acceptance for is taught and strongly encouraged. I am completely confident that the staff and leadership will address issues and do what is best to ensure the happiness and saftey of all of the residents there. I cannot imagine a better place for my sister to live and thrive.

Our son, Brian, has lived in the wonderful setting called Bishop Grady Villas for over 10 years. As Brian was growing up, everyone enjoyed his happy, outgoing personality and love of sports. It was important to us that this person be nurtured. When we found Bishop Grady Villas, we realized that it would provide a setting to continue the way of life where he had grown up: a Christian environment in which he has boundaries like we set at home, he is involved in activities within the community and he is a productive citizen in society.
Brian has become more self-motivated since being at Bishop Grady Villas. He takes the initiative to help out around the house doing things we used to have to ask him to do. Not only at his jobs, but also when he is at his second home as he likes to call it, where his parents live. Since being at Bishop Grady Villas Brian has gained more and more confidence. Due to the continuing education classes held at the Bishop Grady villas Brian has learned to read much better. He is able to participate in so many activities in the community and at Bishop Grady Villas. Fitness classes, going to the nearby gym, dances, holiday parties keep him very busy. Because of the Villas Brian is now able to participate in many more Special Olympics programs such as swimming, track and field and bowling. All of these experiences have been important to us, because we feel we are part of a team. While we are aware of what is going on, we know that his success and happiness is important to everyone who works at the Villas as it is to us. He has a job coach to monitor his work activities, RA’s that monitor his personal hygiene, and make sure that he looks acceptable, others who transport him to work and play, and workers in the kitchen to arrange special meals for his birthday.
All of this is why the Villas are a very special place. As well as being a beautiful group of buildings, but it is the love of everyone who works there, that makes it such a wonderful environment. It is the entire Bishop Grady Villas staff that has helped Brian grow to be the wonderful person he is today.

As a parent and president of Parents Planning Programs of the Developmentally Disabled of Florida, and a member of the Family Care Council (APD), I have championed the mission of Bishop Grady Villas. Our son, age 46, has been a resident for three years and is thriving in a community of friends that have become like a family. Bishop Grady Villas is a model, serving to enlighten advocates of Home and Community Based Waiver Services. We need more opportunities like this for our loved ones to grow and flourish in a safe and loving environment.

My cousin has lived at BGV for the past several years. Although she occasionally misses home, I know she loves it there. I have seen her laugh and carry on with friends and house mates. There are numerous activities for her to participate in and her independence is important to her. BGV is a warm and caring environment that provides stability and support for many families. It is good to know that there is a place like BGv where everyone can be their own person regardless of challenges or lifestyle.

My 31-year-old son has Down Syndrome and after he spent a trial weekend at Bishop Grady Villas he immediately came home and packed all his belongings in anticipation of moving in. He has lived there for nearly three years and loves it. We always included him in all of our family activities, but while he was still at home, he really didn't have the social network and great friendships that he has now. The staff is wonderful - caring, supportive and attentive - always looking for ways to further enrich the lives of all their residents. I wholly recommend BGV to anyone looking for a residence for a loved one with developmental disabilities.

Our Down Syndrome daughter Claudia who is 42 has been a resident of BGV for over four years. Our first trial experience with BGV was as a provider of respit care for a three day weekend. The short stay went extremely well so we tried a longer period of two weeks to see how Claudia liked the environment and how BGV accepted Claudia. Everyone at BGV, staff and residents, welcomed Claudia with open arms. Claudia had no trouble adapting to the life at BGV. After this second stay she was adamant about becoming a resident, referring to BGV as her "new home". We saw BGV as a high quality facility providing a solution to two of the biggest concerns parents of developmentally disabled people have: What would Claudia's life be like after we passed on; and in the meantime offering her a larger world of experiences, challenges, and opportunities.

Claudia's time at BGV has been the best thing for her. They have expanded Claudia's world well beyond what we can offer her at this stage of her life. BGV provides top-notch support and care; supervised independence; a diverse residency; clean, well maintained, attractive facilities; programs designed for the resident's pleasure and education; transportation to work and medical facilities; in-house nursing care; a well managed team of resident assistants, among other resources. The staff is fully accessible at any time and families are encouraged to stay involved in the residents' care.

BGV has become so much a part of Claudia's life that she limits her home visits to just a few days because she "has to get back to my friends". We thank BGV for providing a structure that gives Claudia this sense of security and independence.

My sister lives at BGV, and has done so since they first opened. She loves the independence, yet in a family type setting. She is treated with the utmost respect and dignity. They are so kind and make it possible for my housebound mother to visit her each week since my work schedule makes it difficult for me to be there very often. We are so lucky to have such a world class facility available to us in this area.

My cousin is a resident of BGV and she loves it. It is home to her and after her father passed away a few months ago, I have been taking care of her from afar. She is very strong willed and independent. I love (BGV) because they care. That is it....they care a lot. Bishop Grady Villas is her home and the staff makes her and all of the residents feel this way. Their professionalism, and friendliness go a long way, when you can not be near by. BGV offers so many special programs to fit their needs, the rooms are large and spacious, the homes are clean and the resident managers always have a smile. I feel at rest and at peace that God is with her daily and that she has a safe and happy home . I would not change a thing.

My son lives at Bishop Grady Villa and loves the independence living there gives him. He comes to the mountains with me in the summer and always looks forward to going home (BGV) in the fall. My husband and I feel very secure knowing Colin gets the best of care, independence and supervision at BGV. Thanks for making Colin feel so at home.

My sister is a resident at BGV and has been for the past 9 years. She had a rough time adjusting at first, yet feels like this is her home now. The care she gets is very good and she has her own room and the facilities are good. She does call this her home.

When I took over the care of my cousin, I had no idea where she was going to live. She was not only mentally challenged, but also blind. After checking out the group home setting, I knew that was not for her. I was frantic. I then found out about Bishop Grady Villas. After a tour, meeting the staff and Board Members, I knew this was the place for her. She is now a resident for going on 5 years. Not only has she developed her own independence, she has made many friends - both of which she has never had before. Bishop Grady Villas teaches her daily life skills, allows her to interact with peers and the community, receive healthy, well-balanced meals, participate in community affairs and the Special Olympics, and most of all be a part of a loving "family". God has truly answered our prayers by sending us to this wonderful community. I could go on and on, but in the end there is no better place for your loved ones. Thank you.

My brother Raymond lived at home with my Mom for 53 years, untill she passed away seven years ago.
It was a very big adjustment for Raymond to leave the only home he ever knew.
BGV replaced that home. Raymond now has a secured social life he never had with my ageing mother.
We can say Raymond's life began at 53. Their professional staff with patience, consistently and endurance we feel is remarkable. We are very Thankful to Bishop Grady Villas.

My daughter is a delightful healthy 28y old young woman who loves having her own life. She has been a resident at BGV for the last 8 years by her choice. She wanted to live with friends like her brother and cousins do and learn how to be as independent as she could. Her challenges are many as a result of bacterial meningitis as baby (before the HIB vaccine was given to children under 2y age). She cannot make change from a dollar,needs help with directions, and struggles with communicating effectively with her friends. she is very funny, loves actiovities, and enjoys Special Olympics. She has learned how to do her laundry, keep her room, take care of herself physically, is working on cooking, and is able to remember how to take her medications herself from a packaged bubble pack med planner. She needs help with problem solving, learning how to have better relationships with friends, and help with transportation. It is amazing how well she does with her low IQ. We are very proud of her. She flys home to visits family about 5 times a year on a direct flight and I visit her 2x a year at BGV. The Resident Advisor's see her off at the gate and we meet her at the gate. She considers BGV her life, her home with friends, and is proud she does not live with what she calls us "the old foggies". She is always ready to come home and eager to get back to her friends. The balance of life for her is beautiful and a good fit with what she does and does not need. The leadership at BGV form executive director Kevin Johnson has been wonderful to experience and I am grateful for BGV!

2011 was my turn to ask for help because of serious health problems. I couldn't take part in lots of activities at Bishop Grady but I received constant prayers,good wishes,motivation from the staff and clients which brought tears to my fragile self. Bobby sent telephone greetings when I checked in with David every so often. Finally when I was able to help out with practices for the swimming special olympics I laughed with and huggged and cheered
on those who had kept me going. Helping out throughout the Bowling Olympics was a great experience witnessing the progress that so many of the girls made. Cindy doesn't talk so much but she was in control when she put on her bowling shoes and approached the lane.The bowling alley shook when the line dance videos blaired and all the bowlers rocked. Such days just sprinkle happiness from clients to volunteers to the community...and menories!

Bishop Grady Villas has been a great partner with The Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, mainly our Unit in Kissimmee who for several years have benefited from their efficient and dedicated service. They have served our customers with great devotion and advocacy for their specific employment needs, walking the extra mile to achieve success in placement and training. Their support in our efforts to find employment for the most disabled customers in the Osceola County area has helped us to serve this population with more efficiency and better results. we are very thankful to count them as one of our professional partners in our area.

My step son Chad has been living at Bishop Grady Villas for about 5 years. Places like BVG are a blessing to so many people. Chad loves having his independence and place he can call home. This organization does an outstanding job of giving the residents the opportunity to live in an independent environment with dignity and respect. It is a facility that allows parents to rest assured their children are in a safe place with potential to grow as a person. We are thankful for Bishop Grady Villas.

Words can't describe my gratitude to Bishop Grady Villas. Upon successful completion of high school graduation I was linked with Bishop Grady Villas's as an assitant cook by Vocational Rehabilitation. The professional staff at Bishop Grady not only gave me the opportunity in gaining expertise in the kitchen but enabled self confidence and inspiration that just because I was unable in obtaining a college education due to my disability I deserved and could acquire employable skills and be a contributing member in my community and society. Daily operations in the kitchen, assisting with meal preparation, efficient cleaning and day to day contact with citizens at Bishop Grady Villas i was accepted in the intensive Culinary Arts program at TECO. In addition, i am now employed in the School District of Osceola County. I want to thank Bishop Grady Villas for the passion and tenacity in helping individuals with disabilities ge the services they deserve. Thank you for your exceptional proffesionalism! I could not have done this without you!

I have a niece who is a resident at the Villas. I have been a school nurse and worked with Special Needs children for over 30 years and when my sister told me that Vicky was going to live at the Villas I was a bit apprehensive b/c some "group homes" leave a lot to be desired. I am happy to say that the Bishop Grady Villas has been the BEST thing that has ever happened to my niece, Victoria. She has been given the opportunity to be an "adult" with supervision. She is also learning how to live and get along with other people. My wish for the Villas is that there would be more funding for job coaches so that some of these kids would be able to get out into the work force with a job coach that can stay longer than the alotted time given to them by the state. A lot of these kids only get a 90 day probabtionary period at the job sites which for some of them is just NOT long enough. If they had the benefi of a job coach for a longer period of time then perhaps a lot of them would be able to keep their jobs rather than be let go after their 90 days are up. They are "special needs" and special needs adults need extra special time and care to learn their jobs. I am amazed at how well most of the staff "KNOW" the residents and their little personalities and how to best meet their needs. David Shumaker makes it his business to make sure that the needs of the residents and their families are met to the best of his ability. He has been a gift to the Villas and especially to our family. Just knowing that he is there taking care of Vicky and her needs is a blessing.

I am a founding board member of Bishop Grady Villas. It is a place for belonging where adults who are diagnosed as developmentally delayed have the opportunity to grow physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually through the many opportunities both on and off campus afforded to them. Our Harvest Ball, always a celebration of thanksgiving, is an annual celebration where we experience the fruits of our labor through the joy of the attendees and their stories so poignantly delivered through the written and spoken word. Their family members also profoundly share their positive experiences with Bishop Grady Villas and we understand their comfort knowing their adult children continue to develop in a safe and wholesome environment. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate with this wonderful organization

Hello friends and community partners. I have had the pleasure to hold the position of Employment Specialist at Bishop Grady Villas. We provide a variety of detailed services to assist our residents and community clients to obtain and maintain intergrated employment. ive worked at Bishop Grady for over 5 years but when I accepted this new position almost two years ago I never knew how blessed I would be to become Christ driven and a new part of the personal growth and experiences of our clients. Our clients make me laugh, they teach me that its never to late to learn, how to be creative in reaching out to others and sharing an idea on how many things can be accomplished but differently. There is a joy that connects me to Bishop Grady Villas and its all becuase of the residents that I am able to share that now with the greater community. In spite of our dim economic crisis our clients continue to shine in their employment ventures.

This year we had the opportunity to train and receive the services of some of the Bishop Grady Villas participants who we endearingly called "our assistants". The assistants that worked in our Housekeeping department played varied roles whether in Public Areas, as Housepersons and Laundry Attendants. They all did wonderfully and brought a great deal of enthusiasm, energy and positive demeanors with them.

As a volunteer at Bishop Gardy Village, I was over impressed with, the structure, manors, and loving environment that was expressed! I worked during the winter with the students doing personal activities, in preparation for their, upcoming swimming classes. It was such a pleasure to enjoy myself, the fun, the laughter, and the love! Wow.. I had no idea I was personally lacking so much in my own life. One thing that I truly received from my experience was the structure, discipline,work ethic, and since of achievement was so balanced. I believe the residents, have the greatest ability to succeed, even more so... than you see in many neighborhood homes! Bishop Grady is gift from to all!

Our son was born with Down Syndrome and lived with us until he was 33. He moved to Bishop Grady Villas three years ago and almost since day one he refers to it as "Home". He loves his home where he is an active participant of all the many activities that they have. He was provided with a job coach and next December he will celebrate his third year working at The Magic Kingdom, something that he loves and enjoys a great deal. We have been able to find at Bishop Grady Villas the ideal place that we were searching for.

My daughter is a resident at Bishop Grady Villas. She is mentally disabled and needs assistance and oversight 24/7. Upon leaving school she was home doing nothing. Since living at Bishop Grady Villas, she is exposed to the community learning life skills, she volunteers at a local school helping younger children, and is gaining work experience. In addition, she is in a very safe environment that fosters care and love among one another, most importantly, she feels like a normal person because she is with others that have similar disabilities so she doesn't feel different like she did when she was at home. She loves her home at Bishop Grady Villas and we love having her there because she is so happy and safe.

My son has been a resident at Bishop Grady for about 5 years. He loves the independent living feel of Bishop Grady. He has his own room, with a walk in closet, and private bathroom. He shares a common area with kitchen and family room with the other residents. The buildings and grounds are always well maintained, and the residence areas are always clean. Meals are eaten at a college style social building. The residents love having a choice of meals, which many facilities do not provide. Bishop Grady staff work hard to keep the residents busy, with job skill classes, weekend trips to the local pool, weekend bowling outings, trips to the mall to see movies and do some shopping, and many, many other activities. And, the cost for all these services is the most competitive in the area. I could not be more pleased.

My sister is a resident at Bishop Grady Villas and I am very pleased with the facility. The staff is so attentive and caring that I feel like she is being taken care of by family. She has improved her quality of life by the skills she has learned and is socializing more than ever before. I also feel that she is in a very safe environment which makes it easier to sleep at night!

Our daughter is a resident at Bishop Grady Villas. We've never seen her happier. It is a pleasure to volunteer with the residents.