Supporting and uplifting those who live independently.

At Heartshare, we are committed to assisting individuals through every stage of life — from birth to milestones like weddings, and even through end-of-life care. Our services come full circle, ensuring continuous, kinship, and compassionate support, tailored to each person's unique journey. Supportive apartments are a low-touch program for Developmental Disability Services, but an extremely rewarding one, as it is the most clear example of independence and thriving lives.

For those living in supportive apartments, we prioritize independence while offering the assistance needed to maintain a fulfilling life. Staff help individuals create personalized life plans, offering guidance and care at every step. Our mission is to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to integrate into their communities, make informed choices, and understand the natural consequences of their actions, all while ensuring they have the resources to thrive.

Many of those in our supportive apartments also participate in the Heartshare Self-Advocacy Council. Groups of individuals meet once a month to discuss their rights, how things are going within the agency, and in the wider City and State. They encourage others in the I/DD community to vote and make informed choices. They lobby in Albany for the frontline workers of Heartshare. They give feedback about what's needed, even directly to our CEO. This group is an inspiration.

Our supportive apartments support individuals ages 18+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are independent and able to live on their own. They are able to self-medicate, travel alone, and manage their health care with minimal support.

We operate as a backstop, providing support only when required. We offer advice when a program participant faces a challenging situation, such as going to court or dealing with relationship drama. Our behavior specialists provide guidance on managing these experiences effectively, offering strategies for conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and the fostering of positive interactions with peers and colleagues.