ROSE-MARY CENTER - The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History

The ROSE-MARY CENTER, which began in 1922 as a home for crippled children, has provided residential evaluation and treatment for multi-handicapped children ages 3-12. Before 1922 Catholic crippled children were cared for at the Episcopal HOLY CROSS HOUSE. When a change in policy limited services to EPISCOPALIANS, CAESAR GRASSELLI† offered his EUCLID 7-acre summer residence (at 19350 Euclid Ave.) to the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, in memory of his wife, Johanna, an invalid for many years. The home, with a capacity of 24, was named for its first patron, a crippled orphan found in Youngstown shortly after birth. The Sisters of the Holy Humility of Mary staffed the home; the Catholic Daughters of America performed maintenance and raised funds; and Grasselli, who visited each week, provided equipment and furnishings. Rose-Mary Home pioneered modern treatment to correct physical handicaps of children with healthy minds. Through physical therapy, disabled children re-educated weak muscles and achieved as close to normal function as possible. The homelike setting included furnishings and utensils specially designed for the young residents. In 1943 the adjacent William Delaney house and property were acquired and used for staff sleeping quarters. A new building on the same site was completed in 1949 with CATHOLIC CHARITIES CORP. funds. The facility concentrated all activities under one roof and permitted care of up to 50 children.

In 1967 the home redefined its mission, beginning to evaluate, train, and house retarded children. It admitted children in the 30-50 IQ range, for a 14-to-18-month stay, to prepare them to enter other programs. In addition, Rose-Mary taught parents how to manage a retarded child. With 40 residents, the Rose-Mary Center was funded by Catholic Charities and UNITED WAY SERVICES in 1993.

See also CHILD CARE.

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