Our History
“What can be conceived can be created.”
CBS began its journey in 1981 by supporting eight people. Over the next 40+ years, CBS expands to supporting 300 people, partnering with their families in their care over the continuum of life. The agency continues its tradition of trust, expertise, and innovation to meet the changing needs of people.
Our Milestones
After 30 years as an educator and advocate for people with disabilities, Kevin steps out on his own.
CBS opens its first Intermediate Care Facility in Pound Ridge, NY, to support 8 people.
CBS opens a second Intermediate Care Facility in White Plains, NY, to support 10 people.
CBS opens a third Intermediate Care Facility in Yorktown Heights, NY, to support 10 people. Add Description Here
CBS opens a fourth Intermediate Care Facility in Goldens Bridge, NY, to support 12 people.
CBS opens a fifth Intermediate Care Facility in Buchannan, NY, to support 10 people.
CBS opens a sixth Intermediate Care Facility in Briarcliff Manor, NY, to support 10 people.
With the purchase of the building at 3 Fields Lane, administrative offices move from Purdys to North Salem, NY.
Vicki began working with Kevin McCarthy in 1982.
CBS opens an Individual Residential Alternative in Ossining, NY, to support 8 people. The IRA focuses on promoting independence and preparing adults with developmental disabilities to become productive members of their communities. The home-like setting allows each individual to achieve his or her potential.
CBS opens up an Individual Residential Alternative in a second Yorktown Heights, NY, location. This residence supports 8 people.
The Commissary is designed to centralize purchasing and streamline food distribution.
CBS opens a Day Habilitation Without Walls program in Westchester County. The program is designed to maximize community integration.
CBS begins delivering Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) but stops when the program is discontinued by New York State.
Through these services, CBS offers suppport to people in their own homes.
CBS opens an Individual Residential Alternative in Cortlandt Manor, NY, to support 8 people.
The first residence opened under Kevin McCarthy's leadership is renamed in his honor. The home is converted to a 6-bed, all-female house.
Good Reasons is an all-natural dog treat company established to provide employment opportunities for an integrated workforce.
CBS goes through the rigorous process of being certified by the Council on Quality and Leadership in person centered excellence.
In honor of resident Christopher Garofano and his father, Ray Garofano, long term president of the board, the house is renamed.
CBS begins Delivering Supported Employment (SEMP) to support people who want to be a part of an integrated work setting.
CBS begins delivering Pathway to Employment (PTE) but discontinues it in 2021 in favor of other vocational supports.
CBS opens a Day Habilitation Without Walls program in Dutchess County and the program continues to grow every year.
CBS opens another Individual Residential Alternative in Shrub Oak, NY, to support 5 men.
CBS is awarded a BIP grant and uses the funds to initiate an agricultural program.
The building at 31 Fields Lane in North Salem, NY, is renovated to host the agency's Commissary, Good Reasons, a 20-seat Day Habilitation program and a 40-seat staff training room.
CBS converts all 6 Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) to Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRA) to ensure person-centered planning is available to everyone.
GR Pack, a division of Good reasons, is a co-packing company established to create partnership with local businesses and to provide increased employment opportunities.
Based on the success of our agricultural program, a 10-acre farm in Dutchess County is purchased to establish greenhouses and a life skills center.
The Site-based Day Habilitation program supports 20 people who enjoy a full day of activities at the site and in the community.
The Site-Based Respite program at Cultivating Dreams Farm gives people the opportunity to enjoy all the farm has to offer while socializing with their peers.
CBS begins delivering Community Based Pre-Vocational (CBPV) to support people in learning the skills they will need to get the jobs they want. |
CBS purchases a 3-story building in Patterson, NY, that will be converted into the Hudson Valley InterArts Center.
CBS celebrates 40 years! The agency, which began supporting 8 people in 1981 now supports 100s of people!
In 2021, our agency provided services to 349 individuals, building strong relationships and laying the foundation for sustainable growth. This year marked a period of resilience and renewed commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our community.
The CBS transition planning team works with students from age 12 to 21 in designing a goal oriented plan for life after high school.
Day Habilitation programs are launched in Orange County, NY.
To meet the needs of people in Putnam County, CBS begins offering Day Habilitation programs.
CBS begins providing programs, including Supported Employment, Respite, and Day Services, in Peekskill, NY.
By 2022, the number of people supported by CBS grows to 441 — a 26% increase from the previous year. This expansion reflected both the growing demand for CBS services and the trust families placed in our dedicated team.
Renovations begin on the 15,000 square foot building in Patterson, NY, which will be dedicated to creative, community and healing arts.
It was a year marked by accomplishments in the Job training program and day services. Read the blog post.
In 2023, we reached 478 individuals, continuing our steady upward trend. This growth was fueled by program innovation, new partnerships, and a deepened focus on person-centered approaches. Read more...
The Hudson Valley InterArts was unveiled to the community. Read the story here.
CBS begins meeting the needs of more people as it expands services to the Capital Region.
Hudson Valley InterArts celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its state-of-the-art multi-arts center located at Jon Barrett Road in Patterson, NY, on May 10. Approximately 200 people, including Congressman Mike Lawler and the Brewster Chamber of Commerce, walked through the doors to enjoy an evening filled with excitement, community, and artistic inspiration.
This program provides essential support to individuals with special needs and their families, offering a safe, engaging environment for participants in the late afternoon. Read more...
CEO, Vicki Sylvester, PhD, is recognized as a Women in Business 2024 winner by Hudson Valley Magazine. This prestigious award celebrates her lifetime contributions to the disability care field and her exceptional leadership of our agency, Community Based Services.
This year, we celebrate supporting 555 people — our highest number yet. The milestone underscores our role as a leader in inclusive services and highlights the lasting impact of our mission on individuals and their families.
The Community Based Services Foundation is formed to raise and distribute funds that directly support the life-changing programs and services of Community Based Services. Learn more here.
CBS purchases a building in Ballston Lake, NY, to bring innovative, person-centered disability services to the Capital Region — including the groundbreaking creative and wellness programming of Hudson Valley InterArts!