Mainstay Life Services (Mainstay) is a nonprofit organization that provides services and supports for people who live with all levels of intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A). Our support is person-centered and individualized. Mainstay helps people to live meaningful and successful lives, while supporting them as they learn new skills, develop friendships, and give back to their community. Many people we work for are fully involved in the community, with gainful employment, self-sufficiency, and independence. Mainstay supports 325+ people, and their families, throughout southwestern PA. We are committed to providing high-quality programs and services that help people to live their best lives as they choose. Our services include: Residential, Supported Living, Life Sharing, Prader-Willi Syndrome Supports, Technology Supports, Employment Supports, In-Home and Community Support, Community Participation Support, Behavioral and Clinical Supports, Financial services, enTRUST services and more. Mainstay is proud to be the only regional provider that specializes in Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) services. PWS is a rare genetic disorder; people living with PWS have insatiable hunger and do not have the capability to stop eating. Uncontrolled PWS can lead to excessive eating and life-threatening obesity. In addition to our experience as a leading organization in supporting people with ID/A, including those who live with PWS in a community-based setting, in 2022 we became licensed and launched a Behavioral Health clinic to offer specialized therapeutic supports by a Licensed Clinician to augment psychiatric care. Our services include behavior specialists and a Licensed Practical Clinician who help create a carefully crafted plan of care and supports which serve as the cornerstone of effective and evidence-based treatment for people with dual diagnoses. Mainstay's history is built upon the stories of hundreds of people and of two organizations, Horizon Homes, Inc. and Idlewood Center. In 1969, a small group of parents led by Rabbi Walter Jacob founded Horizon Homes. In 1971, Horizon Homes opened its first home where young children with ID/A could receive clinical care and training. Also in 1971, community leaders and families of people with ID/A, led by William Hoebler, united to establish community-based homes by organizing Idlewood Center. For years, Idlewood Center provided those in its care an opportunity to live a more self-determined lifestyle in the community. Horizon Homes and Idlewood Center were pioneers in developing services for people with ID/A in Allegheny County. In the mid-1980s, both experienced a marked increase in demand for residential services due to the downsizing and eventual closing of state institutions. In 1999, Idlewood Center and Horizon Homes united to form Mainstay Life Services. They produced a larger organization, tripling the size of the operating budget, with the enhanced organizational capability and capacity required to meet the continuing challenges faced by nonprofits. Mainstay is committed to continuing and enhancing the traditions and missions of these two vital organizations.