Rose-Mary Center

Grasselli Home

 “We remember, we celebrate, we believe”

 This year marks the 90th Anniversary of Rose-Mary Center, in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of Cleveland Catholic Charities.  As we celebrate these important milestones, we reflect on the Center’s rich history in the community.

In 1922, Mr. Caesar A. Grasselli, President of Grasselli Chemical Works, deeded the family's summer home known as "Three Gables" to the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland for a home for children with physical disabilities.  "Three Gables" was renamed Rose-Mary after the Blessed Virgin and the beautiful rose gardens that Caesar Grasselli's invalid wife, Johanna, had created behind the mansion.

 

Grasselli Home

Rose-Mary opened in October 1922 with the Sisters of Humility of Mary assuming administrative responsibilities for the daily operations of the home.  The first resident of Rose-Mary was Polly, a foundling discovered abandoned in an ash can in a deserted alleyway. She had physical disabilities and impaired sight.   With Rose-Mary's help, Polly grew into a healthy child giving promise of a happy, productive life.  Through the early years the Sisters and dedicated staff transformed Rose-Mary from a summer cottage to a well known treatment center for children with cerebral palsy, victims of polio, accidents and other childhood handicaps.

In 1943, the late Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Delaney presented their property to the Cleveland Catholic Diocese.  The Delaney home was subsequently incorporated into the Rose-Mary Center and is recognized today as the Administration Building.  Rose-Mary's main building was built in 1949 and connects the two mansions formerly known as the Grasselli and Delaney homes.

      Delaney Home                                                                                                          Rose-Mary Center

A significant change occurred in 1967 when, after serving children with physical disabilities for 45 years, Rose-Mary Center revised its mission to serve children with developmental disabilities.

In 1982, the Center broke ground at the Euclid Avenue campus to build a state-of-the-art residential center for children. 

      Ellen Bonnie Mandel

            Sensory Garden

                        Courtyard of the

                                  Children’s Center

In 1987 the Center’s mission was further expanded to include adults as well as children with developmental disabilities.  Euclid House, Rose-Mary Center's first adult group home, was opened in 1989.  In addition to the 40 children served at the original Euclid Avenue location, the Center operates seven group homes for 51 adult men and women.  The group homes are located in Cleveland, Euclid, Pepper Pike, Shaker Heights, and South Euclid, Ohio.

 Rose-Mary Center provides residential, habilitation and education services, medical, dental, psychiatric and nursing care, as well as behavior management programs guided by a trained psychologist for clients with maladaptive behaviors.  Also included are occupational, physical, speech and therapeutic recreation therapies.

In addition to residential services, Rose-Mary offers day programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

 Before and after school, day and overnite respite services are offered at the Center for children in Euclid to individuals and familes who are primary care givers.

St. Anthony Adult Day Center, located at the main campus in Euclid, provides supervision, respite and socialization for adults with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s, physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy or paralysis, and the frail elderly who can benefit from daytime care, yet do not require skilled nursing care.  Founded in 1996, the program is managed and operated by Rose-Mary, in conjunction with Catholic Charities Health and Human Services Corporation.

The Summer Camp Programis offered to children diagnosed with developmental disabilities.   Recreational activities and outings are offered to children who would otherwise be excluded from community programs.  Activities are designed to help the individuals develop appropriate social and behavioral skills, as well as to enjoy the summer months.  The camp is located at the Rose-Mary Center School.

Rose-Mary Center School, located in the Tremont area, is a public school, operated by the Educational Service Center of Cuyahoga County (ESCCC) with additional support from Rose-Mary Center and provides an education program for children with multiple disabilities.

Financial support for Rose-Mary Center's programs and services comes through the federally regulated Medicaid program, from Catholic Charities Corporation and United Way Services, and from various other local and state agencies.  Private contributions from individuals and various organizations have been all important in enabling the Center to continue to reach out to children and adults with special needs.

 To learn more about the Center and the events that are planned for the 90th Anniversary, go to www.rose-marycenter.com

Donna Cantlin

Rose-Mary is a residential treatment facilitiy for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Located in Euclid, since its founding in 1922, it is one of the largest employers in the city. I am the Director of Development.

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Volume 3, Issue 1, Posted 1:32 PM, 02.02.2012