SHIRLEY, Mass. – Clients of Community Resources for Justice’s Community Strategies programs in Massachusetts for adults with developmental disabilities feel overwhelmingly that they’re safe, in charge of decisions about their lives, and are a part of their communities, according to a new survey.

Community Strategies recently sought feedback from 179 clients who live in group homes or in Shared Living environments where they reside with a family, and 167 individuals completed and returned the survey. Of those who responded:

  • 95 percent said they felt their personal possessions are safe, up from 88 percent in 2016;
  • 92 percent said they feel that staff members do their job well, up from 87 percent;
  • 91 percent said they feel staff respect them, up from 88 percent; and
  • 90 percent said they manage their own money, up from 65 percent.

Community Strategies’ programs support and challenge clients to live as independently as possible and to participate in the community. Staff encourage clients to exercise their right to pursue their interests and advocate for themselves.

Click here to download a copy of the survey highlights.