Special-needs adult facility celebrates opening

Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York held a grand opening for its new alternative residence for special-needs adults on Essex Place in Valley Stream on April 12.

More developmentally disabled adults will be able to access programs, services and specialized care through the opening of the new location, according to a news release.

The new Individual Residential Alternative, or IRA, will strive to fill the gap from the recently closed Bernard Fineson Center by accommodating four males — allowing for minimal disruptions in the care of these individuals. Staff will provide a nurturing, goal-oriented and safe environment for these men, which is even more critical as this will be the first time they will be residing in the community. In addition to residential services, the new residents will receive assistance and supervision in community integration, nutrition and their overall health.

Since 1930, Little Flower has been committed to improving the lives and well being of those we serve by providing foster boarding home care, residential treatment care and, where appropriate, adoption. The organization’s work focuses on strengthening families so that they can provide a safe nurturing environment for raising children and to overcome a myriad of obstacles that threaten a child’s safety.