Local Non-Profit Proposes Opening Group Home In St. James

SMITHTOWN, NY - A non-profit group is looking to expand their services to provide a home for six adults with developmental disabilities and autism in St. James.

The home the group recently bought a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home on Twixt Hills Road, according to the listing on Realtor.com.

The 2,500 square-foot home also has a full basement and a 2 car garage.

The house was purchased last month for $575,000 by the Garden City-based Life's WORC.

The group provides "comprehensive support and services people with developmental disabilities and autism," according to their website.

The six residents of the home will all be young men in their 20s who all have developmental disabilities or autism, according to Mary Rafferty, Life's WORC's chief operating officer. They hope to open in the summer.

While some residents expressed a few minor concerns, Rafferty addressed them all at a recent town meeting.

"There were concerns about parking so I spoke about our plans to have a circular driveway installed on the property," she said. "We're going to be renovating the home, it is a home that is in need of some work. But our goal is just to be good neighbors."

While some expressed concern, many residents came out to express their support for the proposal.

Residents with children who have developmental disabilities are already thinking ahead and believe this could be useful for the future.

"Life's WORC wants to be a resource for the Smithtown residents who are supporting people and their families who have intellectual disabilities and autism and we're just looking to provide that support," Rafferty said. "They're in favor of this project and they made that very clear at the meeting so we're happy to partner with the Smithtown community."

The non-profit currently has 41 group homes in Queens, Long Island and NYC. They also have a family center for autism in Garden City.

Now they are looking forward to coming to Smithtown. Rafferty thanked the community for the warm welcome at the meeting.