Crossroads Louisiana, a 501 (c)3 non-profit agency, was founded by Dr. Gerald Murphy in 1982 to serve persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Greater New Orleans area. As more and more State institutions began to shut their doors, Dr. Murphy saw an urgent need to provide community-based services that maximize each individual’s potential for independent community living and self-sufficiency.
*Supported Independent Living (SIL)*
Crossroads’ residential services also include a SIL program in which individuals with a NOW (New Opportunities Waiver) live throughout the community either alone or with roommates, in apartments or private homes. We try to inspire as many personal choices as possible and encourage each resident to become an active member of the community. Each individual has specially trained staff, Direct Service Providers (DSPs), to support daily living activities; including, but not limited to nutrition, cooking, money management, hygiene, the use of public transportation and other self-help skills.
*Title XIX Community Homes*
Crossroads operates community homes in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes that provide family-style living for six individuals in each home. The over-arching goal of the program is to create a caring, family atmosphere in which our residents can learn essential living skills such as safety rules, self-care, meal planning, grocery shopping, money management, and meal preparation.
*Job Link at Crossroads*
Job Link at Crossroads is a progressive day program for adults with developmental disabilities that helps individuals develop specific skills for achieving employment and/or community-integrated living goals through: Supported Employment, and Day Habilitation/Community Life Engagement.
