Our Services
Support that makes a difference.
We offer a wide range of services to help those we support lead safe, comfortable, and happy lives with dignity and respect.
Residential Services
Where kindness and compassion thrive.
Created by families for families, Opengate residences are homes in every sense of the word. They are places where the respect, interests, and comfort of the residents come first.
Opengate offers community-based residential services throughout Westchester County in New York State’s lower Hudson River Valley. We provide safe, comfortable homes with 24/7 care. Those we support exercise their self-advocacy and independence—while leading fulfilling and fun lives. Each of our 12 homes caters to the unique needs of those we support.
Our staff makes a difference.
People receive support from highly trained direct support professionals as well as an interdisciplinary team of medical, clinical, and administrative staff. Many of our team members have been with Opengate for decades—because those we serve become our family. Staff focus on understanding those we support, working with them, and fostering a sense of belonging.
“So many direct care staff (for more than 30 years) have helped Eric feel that this was “home” since his very first weeks.”
—Vicky and Peter S., Family Members
Activities with Opengate
Based on interests and input, we plan new activities regularly. Here’s some of the fun—with more to come!
Making friendship bracelets
Onsite carnival with cotton candy, face painting, and games
Tea parties in our gazebo
Growing vegetables in the Opengate garden
Valentine’s Day party, including heart-shaped pizzas and painting projects
Day trips to amusement parks, Amish Country, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, and more
Playing baseball in The Miracle League of Westchester
Participating in the Special Olympics
The people we support come first.
Those we support choose their daily routines and activities. Just like all of us, they have varied interests. Our team helps them develop independence, actively participate in the community, and pursue new experiences.
For example, they decide whether to eat in or go out and help create menus for dinner. Staff and those supported discuss plans and go to parks, shops, amusement parks, and more. We’ve hosted outdoor movie nights and music in the park events.
Our homes serve all.
Our services include Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) and Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs). We provide caring, dedicated support even to those turned away from other agencies—because we believe everyone has the right to a life filled with dignity, respect, and comfort.
“I can sleep at night with peace knowing Lenny is so well cared for and I want to thank Rivera staff for helping Lenny live his best life!”
— Linda Q., Family Member
Day Habilitation
There’s no such thing as a typical day.
Located in Hawthorne, New York, our day habilitation program offers convenient access for people located throughout New York’s lower Hudson Valley. Whether in the site-based or Without Walls (WOW) program, activities and schedules are based on their choices and needs.
Open Monday through Friday, person-centered support is provided in a modern, spacious, and safe facility. Programming is led by dedicated, highly trained staff members. We get to know each person and respect their varied interests. Independence is enhanced through creative expression, skills building, social interactions, and other activities.
“Timi’s experience here has led to improvements both inside and outside of the program. The work that Opengate has done has been no less than a blessing in our lives!”
— Timi’s Brother
Making each day count.
Our person-centered space includes large, open spaces for easy interaction, communication, and activities. There’s room for active movement so things don’t get stagnant. While a lively, fun atmosphere spurs creativity and individuality, we also have smaller classrooms when quieter environments are preferred.
Our on-site team includes direct support professionals, clinical team members, nursing staff, and administrative staff. They offer support during meaningful, entertaining activities.
What’s up at Day Hab and WOW?
Each day is different. Possibilities include:
Skills building and learning—for jobs, health and wellness, social interactions/communication, and more
Creating art
Developing exercise routines
Giving back by volunteering—such as shredding newspapers for local animal shelters and volunteering at a local food bank
Activities in the community—visiting museums, parks, and local businesses, participating in sports leagues
And more—we keep options and communication open
Without Walls (WOW) Program
It’s a field trip every day.
In the Without Walls (WOW) Program, those we support spend their days in the community with a small group of peers and direct support professionals. They start their day at the Hawthorne program site, get their schedule, and head out.
Through partnerships with local community service organizations and businesses, we create opportunities for those we support. One of our collaborations is with The Extended Family, where people build care packages for first responders and community members in need. The organization meaningfully engages participants with skills training, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging.
Community Habilitation
We bring day hab to you.
Through our community habilitation program, Opengate staff members deliver support to people in their homes or in the community. Community Habilitation-R, for people who live in certified settings, provides services only out in the community.
Opengate staff, the people we support, and their families team to design the program. Activities are self-directed and geared towards advancing independence, community participation, and capacity building—all while ensuring safety, well-being, and comfort.
Goal-oriented support and skill development are offered in many areas, including daily living skills, travel, health and wellness, adult education, communication, socialization, leisure skills, money management, positive behavioral support, safety skills, self-advocacy, informed choice, community integration, and relationship building. It may also include personal care, health care, protective oversight and supervision, and program-related transportation.
Supported Employment
Creating opportunities
We provide person-centered employment planning and support services to help program participants get hired and advance in jobs. Opengate has a team of specialized professionals who help with career exploration, resume building, application assistance, interview preparation, employment training, and communicating with employers, as well as advocating for the people we support. In addition, they can learn with the support of a direct support professional at their place of employment until they can independently work in that job.
The goal is continued employment at or above minimum wage that meets personal and career goals. But above all, we focus on supporting program participants in developing potential, achieving independence, and thriving in new roles.
“Opengate has exceeded our expectations in all aspects. Our son William has grown and is happy in this supportive environment. He has thrived in his role as receptionist in the Supported Employment Program, developing his potential and increasing his self-esteem. Emphasis on the worth and dignity of the individual has allowed William to flourish and achieve greater self-advocacy.”
— William’s Family Member