Media Contact: Rena Daly rdaly@cc-md.org

11 Sep 17 12:00 AM CDT

WHAT: Gallagher Services marks 40 years of compassionate care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities on Sept. 15, 2017 with a picnic lunch, a performance by the Gallagher Choir, and a ceremonial blessing by Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori. Archival photos will be displayed, along with artwork created by the individuals.

Nine individuals who began at Gallagher Services in 1977 are still a part of the program.

WHEN: Friday, September 15, 2017, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Gallagher Services House, 2520 Pot Spring Rd., Timonium, MD 21093

WHO:

·         Most Reverend William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore

·         Bill McCarthy, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Baltimore

·         Government and elected officials, including State Senator Katherine Klausmeier and Delegate Joseph C. Cluster

·         Approximately 200 invited guests

Background

Francis X. Gallagher Services opened in 1977 as a residential program for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As care and services for individuals with intellectual disabilities evolved toward community-based living and employment, Gallagher Services transformed as well, serving individuals with vocational training, supported employment, medical day care, community integration and independent living in nearly 50 homes throughout the Baltimore region.

About Catholic Charities of Baltimore

Catholic Charities of Baltimore is Maryland’s largest private provider of human services, offering assistance to children and families, people living in poverty, individuals with intellectual disabilities, immigrants and seniors without regard to religion, race or other circumstances. Inspired by the Gospel mandates to love, serve and teach, the more than 80 programs of Catholic Charities improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of Marylanders each year. Catholic Charities continues a legacy of charity and compassion that began with the establishment of the Catholic Church in Baltimore in 1789. For more information, please visit www.cc-md.org.

Catholic Charities has experts available to discuss a wide variety of topics, including poverty, homelessness, mental health, intellectual disabilities, immigration and issues related to aging.

More information about Gallagher Services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities