Suffolk County Disability Support
Supporting Individuals With Developmental Disabilities, Caregivers, and Families Across Life’s Transitions
Our Mission
Cherished Care & Residences Inc. (CCRI) is a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their families and caregivers, through advocacy, transportation access, community-based support, and future planning. Our mission is to help people and families navigate life’s transitions with greater dignity, stability, connection, and opportunity in Suffolk County, New York.
Why We Exist
Too many individuals and families are left trying to navigate disability services, transportation barriers, caregiver stress, and future planning with limited support. CCRI exists to help close those gaps with a compassionate, person-centered approach rooted in trust, lived experience, and community connection.
Meet the Founder
Danaysha Douglas, Founder & Executive Director
Danaysha Douglas founded Cherished Care & Residences, Inc. after more than six years working directly as a Direct Support Professional within New York’s I/DD service system. Working alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in structured care environments, she witnessed firsthand how gaps in local support, transportation barriers, and workforce instability push manageable situations into crises — particularly for families in Suffolk County who lacked nearby, trusted options.
As a Suffolk County native, Danaysha recognized that most I/DD service providers operating on Long Island are headquartered in Nassau County or New York City, creating geographic and cultural distance for the communities that need them most. CCRI was built to close that gap — locally rooted, community-accountable, and designed to grow with the people it serves.
Her experience spans direct care, family navigation, behavioral health-adjacent support, and organizational development. She holds dual roles as Board President and Executive Director, and has independently built CCRI’s governance infrastructure, compliance frameworks, and service model from the ground up.
Why Suffolk County Needs CCRI
Individuals with developmental disabilities, caregivers, and families in Suffolk County face real barriers to support, future planning, and access to care. These numbers help show why CCRI’s mission matters.
These challenges affect individuals with developmental disabilities, caregivers, families, and the support systems our community depends on.
Sources: Suffolk County Office for People with Disabilities; OPWDD Residential Request List; The Arc New York.
Our Services
CCRI is building practical, person-centered support that helps individuals with developmental disabilities and their families navigate daily life, future planning, and community access with greater confidence and stability.
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Helping individuals and families access appointments, programs, community activities, and essential services with greater consistency, safety, and reliability.
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Helping families better understand available services, next steps, community resources, and planning options while reducing stress during long and often confusing processes.
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Creating support that helps individuals build connection, routine, confidence, and meaningful participation in the community rather than feeling isolated or left behind.
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Building toward quality day habilitation, family-style residential opportunities, and person-centered supports designed to help individuals thrive long term.
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Working with families, professionals, donors, volunteers, and local partners to build a stronger network of support around individuals and the community as a whole.
Support Our Mission
Your support helps CCRI build practical, community-based solutions for individuals with developmental disabilities, caregivers, and families in Suffolk County. Donations help strengthen transportation access, family support, community integration, future programming, and the long-term vision for safe, person-centered residential opportunities.
CCRI is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Suffolk County, New York, and eligible donations may be tax-deductible as permitted by law.
Get Involved
There are many ways to help CCRI strengthen community-based support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Suffolk County. Whether you give, partner, volunteer, or share resources, your involvement helps turn local need into real support.
Help expand transportation access, family support, community integration, and future programming for individuals and families who need trusted local options.
Fund compassionate local support
Connect CCRI with opportunities, services, introductions, or supporters who can help expand access, visibility, and long-term growth
Share Resources
Support outreach, events, community-building, and future program growth while becoming part of a mission-driven network that values service and impact.
Give your time and skills
Join CCRI as a local business, organization, or leader helping build practical solutions, stronger families, and a more inclusive Suffolk County.