About Us
Leander House, Inc., along with other local, like-minded organizations grew loosely out of the Camphill Community model and was founded in 1996. We are a small non-profit organization, located in Western Massachusetts, licensed by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to provide residential services and supports for adult Individuals with developmental disabilities.
We are committed to the dignity, independence, and equitable treatment of Individuals with developmental disabilities as well as helping each person reach their full potential as responsible and valued citizens in their home and community. Leander House is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the lives of Individuals.
We provide opportunities for Individuals to sustain varied and meaningful relationships with family, friends, and neighbors. We support Individuals to explore, discover, and participate in cultural, educational, recreational, social, spiritual, and vocational activities based on their personal preferences and interests. Each person's daily schedule is individualized to meet their personal goals, needs, and preferences. We are located within walking distance of downtown Great Barrington. We also enjoy our associations within the larger Great Barrington community as well as friends in the lifesharing communities in the Southern Berkshires.
Mission, Vision & Values
  • Adult Individuals with developmental disabilities are at the heart of everything we do. This Individual-first ethic is embodied in the way we express ourselves, conduct our work, and fulfill our mission.

  • Leander House is dedicated to supporting adult Individuals with developmental disabilities to live meaningful, fulfilling, enjoyable, and healthy lives. Leander House offers individualized services and supports to ensure the freedom to express unique qualities and gifts without prejudice or discrimination. Individuals are valued and respected, and their rights are affirmed and protected.

  • We support Individuals to ensure that they continue to have the following:
  • Personal safety that is free of abuse and neglect
  • Homes that are safe, beautiful, well maintained, and blend into the neighborhood and community
  • A healthy and wholesome lifestyle including access to medical and dental care, mental health services, physical activity, and nutritious food
  • Protected human and civil rights, respectful and supported communication, access to technology, and freedom to visit with friends and family
  • Support in the practical aspects of daily living and skill development, e.g., money management, laundry, medication, transportation
  • Access to attentive, committed, knowledgeable care providers
  • A dedicated Individual Support Plan (ISP) team
  • Opportunities to develop and sustain meaningful relationships and explore, define, and express intimacy and companionship
  • Choice and control in daily life and supported decision making in order to maximum independence
  • Individualized cultural, social, and recreational activities
  • Integration into the greater community where new friendships can develop
  • Opportunities to participate in choosing care providers and housemates
  • Opportunities to evaluate care providers and express general satisfaction
Residential Services
Seven Individuals are currently being served by Leander House. One home is licensed as Individual Home Supports and one as Placement Services (better known as Shared Living). Each home is shared by three Individuals with developmental disabilities. Another Individual lives independently in his own home and is supported, as needed, by Leander House. For all Individuals we ensure their health and wellbeing, a safe and comfortable home life, community involvement, and job support.

Individual Home Supports

Semi-Independent & Less Than 24-Hour Support
The Individuals who live in the Individual Home Supports house enjoy semi-independent living while accessing support. Two Individuals currently living in this home have lived there since 2002 and 2005 as housemates. A third Individual joined in the early summer of 2024 and is a welcome addition to home. These three gentlemen have support when needed from a Home Care Provider and a live-in volunteer. The home is a short walk from downtown Great Barrington and is one block from the local bus stop. We also support one Individual in his own Great Barrington home.

Shared Living

24-Hour Support
In the Shared Living home three Individuals live with their Home Care Providers and two live-in volunteers. Two of these Individuals were housemates for over 30 years with the same Home Care Provider and her family. The third Individual joined Leander House in 2011. This group lives and shares their lives as an extended family. The home is also a short walk from downtown Great Barrington.
What We Do
During the week some Leander House Individuals participate in local DDS-licensed Home and Community Based Day Support programs at Stanton Home, Extra Special Teas, or Berkshire County Arc’s Center for Development. Individuals also participate in programs such as Community Access to the Arts (CATA), Blue Rider Stables, and Berkshire South Regional Community Center. Some enjoy going to Christ Trinity Church in Sheffield, local libraries, and charity events, or participating in Boy Scouts of America (Scouting America) and Special Olympics. Some hold jobs at Campo de Fiori, Extra Special Teas, and Guido’s Fresh Marketplace. We also frequent the Great Barrington Farmers’ Market, local banks, grocery stores, and other local establishments.
In the evenings and on weekends, homelife can include doing art projects, playing basketball, watching movies, sharing meals, or holding the occasional dance party. Individuals also participate in sharing in household chores, yardwork, and laundry. All Individuals are free to take alone time or downtime as they desire. When anyone wants to explore beyond our friendly neighborhood and get out into the local community, there are parks, a swimming lake, hiking trails, theater, and a small but lively downtown all within walking distance.

Community Partners & Day Programs

Community Friends