BUFFALO, N.Y. – After years of navigating a landscape of personal transitions and shifting residences, Cathy Bora has found a profound sense of permanence and belonging in Kenmore, New York. Her journey, which saw her move from Orchard Park to Florida, then back to Western New York after her mother’s passing, involved staying with her sister before finally settling into her current home two years ago. Now, in an Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA) managed by The Arc Erie County New York, Bora expresses a heartfelt hope that her days of constant movement are behind her. "I’ll stay around here and keep myself busy," Bora affirmed, a contented smile gracing her lips. "It’s all great."
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Bora’s story is a testament to the transformative power of community-based living models designed for individuals with disabilities. Her residence is one of 25 such homes operated by The Arc Erie County New York, a venerable nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with disabilities across the region. These IRAs collectively serve 177 individuals, offering a spectrum of care that ranges from group homes providing intensive, around-the-clock medical oversight to more independent apartment settings for those requiring less direct supervision. Capable of accommodating between four and twelve residents, each site is equipped with at least two vehicles to ensure daily transportation needs are met, fostering independence and community engagement.
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The distinction between these IRAs and traditional nursing homes is critical. While residents benefit from ready access to a comprehensive suite of medical and therapeutic professionals – including nurses, care coordinators, registered dietitians, and physical and occupational therapists – the environment is distinctly home-like, prioritizing individual autonomy and community integration. For residents with higher medical needs, The Arc has meticulously designed barrier-free sites, often ranch-style houses featuring accessible bathrooms, wider walkways, and customized kitchen counters, ensuring comfort and ease of movement within their living spaces. For Cathy Bora, this thoughtfully designed environment is nothing short of a godsend.
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Finding Family and Fulfillment Within the IRA Walls
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Within the vibrant walls of her Kenmore IRA, Cathy Bora has cultivated deep bonds, particularly with her roommates, Hazel Robinson and Mary Gereld. These relationships have blossomed into a sisterly camaraderie, forming the bedrock of her daily life. Together, they share the simple, yet profound, joys of domesticity: preparing meals, venturing out for ice cream, and engaging in countless rounds of bingo. The dining table often serves as a creative hub, currently occupied by Gereld’s intricate 1,000-piece unicorn jigsaw puzzle, a testament to shared hobbies and quiet companionship. Adding to the home’s cheerful ambiance is Bora’s stereo, a cherished heirloom from her mother, which frequently fills the apartment with the timeless melodies of The Beach Boys and Elvis Presley.
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Beyond the comforts of home, Bora actively participates in the broader community. She is a dedicated member of a local bowling league, a pursuit that offers both physical activity and social interaction. Looking ahead, she harbors aspirations of securing employment at a nearby daycare, a goal that exemplifies her desire for continued engagement and contribution. Her proactive approach to life and her genuine satisfaction with her current circumstances underscore the success of The Arc’s model in fostering meaningful lives.
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Hazel Robinson, a resident of an IRA for the past decade, and Mary Gereld, who has called hers home for fourteen years, echo Bora’s sentiments. Robinson recalls her initial trial overnight stay before officially moving in, a period during which she immediately felt at ease. "I liked knowing that I wasn’t going to be by myself," Robinson explained, articulating a common fear among individuals who might otherwise face social isolation. The IRAs directly address this concern, providing a built-in support network and opportunities for genuine connection.
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A Paradigm Shift: From Institutions to Integrated Communities
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Douglas DiGesare, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc Erie County New York, articulates the fundamental philosophy underpinning the IRA program: a deliberate and crucial move away from institutional living towards integration within a home community. This represents a significant paradigm shift in disability care, reflecting a broader societal recognition of the human right to live with dignity and autonomy in community settings. The success of this approach is evident in the program’s remarkably low turnover rates, with some residents having resided in their IRAs for as long as 30 years, a testament to the stability and quality of life offered.
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However, IRAs are not solely designed for long-term residency. They also serve as vital transitional environments, equipping individuals with disabilities with essential life skills, empowering them to eventually move on to even more independent living arrangements in their own apartments. "It’s in the continuum of the service," DiGesare elaborated, emphasizing the program’s flexible role. "It sits in the middle there and allows for all these things to happen." This "continuum" acknowledges that individual needs evolve, and The Arc strives to provide support at every stage, fostering growth and increasing independence where possible.
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The Financial Realities and Invaluable Returns
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Despite the profound benefits and demonstrable success of the IRAs, their operation comes with significant financial challenges. Michelle Cordero, The Arc’s Chief Operating Officer, reveals that the program generates approximately $20 million in revenue annually. However, this substantial sum is almost entirely consumed by the end of each fiscal year, primarily due to the considerable costs associated with maintenance and, most significantly, staffing. "We do pretty much zero out that budget every year," Cordero stated, underscoring the razor-thin margins on which these critical services operate.
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DiGesare further elaborated on the financial pressures, explaining, "Over the years that we’ve been doing this, it’s always been the most expensive program to operate because you’re caring for people 24/7, 365." The constant, round-the-clock nature of care, coupled with the need for specialized medical and therapeutic staff, robust transportation services, and the upkeep of accessible facilities, drives these high operational expenses. This financial reality highlights the ongoing need for robust funding and community support to sustain and expand such vital programs.
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The demand for these individualized residences far outstrips current capacity, with an staggering approximate figure of 1,364 people currently on the waiting list. This backlog underscores a critical societal need and represents a profound challenge for The Arc and similar organizations nationwide. Each number on that list represents an individual and their family yearning for the stability, care, and community that an IRA provides.
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However, both DiGesare and Cordero agree that the value provided by IRAs transcends mere monetary figures. Cordero, whose sister resides in an IRA, speaks from a deeply personal perspective about the "peace of mind" these homes offer families. "You have peace of mind that the person is cared for," she explained. "That they are going to have meals; that somebody is going to be there to help them with their activities of daily living; that they’re not going to be taken advantage of in the community; that they’re going to have socialization so there’s no social isolation." This comprehensive assurance, covering physical well-being, personal safety, and emotional health, is truly invaluable for families navigating the complexities of caring for a loved one with disabilities. It alleviates the constant worry and enables families to maintain healthy relationships, knowing their loved one is in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment.
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Advocacy and Empowerment: A Voice for the Voiceless
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The success of The Arc’s IRAs is perhaps best exemplified by residents like Allyson Sanders, a woman living with cerebral palsy in a barrier-free environment. Sanders’ journey to her current IRA underscores the critical difference these homes make. She previously attempted to live independently but found herself without essential home aide services, leading to months spent in a nursing home where, as she succinctly put it, she "couldn’t go nowhere." This period of confinement highlighted the limitations and lack of autonomy often inherent in more institutional settings.
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Now, thriving in her IRA, Sanders not only attends day rehabilitation services but has also become an active and vocal advocate. She sells her art at The Arc’s various events, showcasing her creative talents and contributing to the community. More significantly, she champions the rights and needs of her fellow residents by advocating for them at The Arc’s staff orientations. Her powerful voice ensures that the perspectives and experiences of those served by the organization are heard and understood by the very individuals providing their care. "I’m glad to do it for people who don’t have a voice," Sanders declared, embodying the spirit of empowerment and self-determination that The Arc strives to cultivate. Her story is a poignant reminder that with the right support and environment, individuals with disabilities can not only live fulfilling lives but also become agents of positive change within their communities.
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The Broader Implications: A Model for Inclusive Living
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The work of The Arc Erie County New York through its Individualized Residential Alternatives offers a compelling model for inclusive living. The implications of such programs extend far beyond the immediate beneficiaries, touching upon critical societal discussions around human rights, public health, and community development.
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Shifting Societal Norms: The existence and success of IRAs reflect a profound societal shift away from historical practices of institutionalization. For decades, individuals with disabilities were often relegated to large, isolated institutions, deprived of personal autonomy and community engagement. The IRA model actively dismantles this legacy, asserting that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves the opportunity to live in a home environment, integrated into the fabric of their community. This move towards de-institutionalization is not just a policy change; it’s a recognition of the inherent dignity and value of every individual.
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The Economic and Social Value of Integration: While the operational costs of IRAs are high, the long-term economic and social benefits are substantial. Investing in community-based care can lead to better health outcomes, reduced emergency room visits, and a more engaged populace. Furthermore, the social integration fostered by IRAs enriches the entire community, promoting understanding, empathy, and diversity. Residents like Cathy Bora and Allyson Sanders contribute to their local economy through their activities, volunteerism, and advocacy, challenging stereotypes and demonstrating the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
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Addressing the Unmet Demand: The alarming waiting list of 1,364 individuals underscores a national crisis in disability care. This unmet demand places immense strain on families, often forcing them to act as full-time caregivers without adequate support, leading to burnout, financial hardship, and limited opportunities for both the individual with disabilities and their family members. Expanding programs like The Arc’s IRAs is not just about providing housing; it’s about providing hope, stability, and a pathway to a more fulfilling life for thousands. Policy implications here are clear: increased public funding, innovative partnership models, and streamlined regulatory processes are vital to scaling these successful initiatives.
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The Future of Disability Care: The Arc Erie County’s IRAs represent a vital component in the evolving landscape of disability care. They offer a flexible, person-centered approach that can adapt to varying needs and aspirations. As medical advancements extend lifespans and societal expectations for inclusion grow, the demand for such tailored, community-integrated solutions will only intensify. The challenge lies in ensuring that these programs are not only sustainable but also expandable, capable of reaching every individual who seeks a safe, supportive, and stimulating place to call home.
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The stories of Cathy Bora, Hazel Robinson, Mary Gereld, and Allyson Sanders are more than individual narratives; they are powerful affirmations of the human spirit’s resilience and the profound impact of compassionate, community-focused care. In Kenmore and throughout Western New York, The Arc Erie County is not just providing residences; it is building communities, fostering independence, and granting invaluable peace of mind, one individualized home at a time. The work is expensive, the demand is immense, but the human return, as echoed by the voices within these homes, is truly priceless.
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© 2026 The Buffalo NewsnDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
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