• About Us
• Advanced Philosophy of Care
• Mission, Values and Service
• Our Commitment to Safety
• Our History
• Senior Leadership Team
• Devereux Board of Trustees
• Annual Reports
• Devereux in the News
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Recognizing Our Employees
• Celebrating Our Devereux Families
• Sharing Messages of Hope

Giving back: Family brightens holiday season for youth at Devereux Pennsylvania CIDDS

The holidays are a time of giving, and for one family – whose son received services through Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health – they are a time of giving back. 

Mary and Mark Bainbridge enrolled their son, Robert, in a residential treatment program at Devereux Pennsylvania’s Children’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services (CIDDS) center, located in West Chester, Pa., in December 2015.  

At the time, Robert, who had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), was struggling with social, emotional and behavioral challenges and needed 24-hour care.  

Soon after he was admitted, the family visited Robert at the Reed House, a residential group home at Devereux Pennsylvania CIDDS, and began to see improvements in his behavior. 

“We met every week with a wonderful therapist who came up with different coping strategies for Robert,” said Mary Bainbridge. “She gave us insight into how our behaviors were affecting his behaviors. This helped us to understand that we had some influence over how he was acting, which was very enlightening.” 

Inspired to give back

Over time, the Bainbridge family formed a connection with staff at the Reed House, and with the other boys who lived there.  

The first Christmas Robert was at Devereux, his family decided to purchase stockings for each of the boys, as well as toys, games and a second Christmas tree for the house.  

Even after Robert was discharged in April 2017, the Bainbridges continued to show their support for Devereux by regularly visiting the group home and delivering small gifts to the boys during the holidays. 

“The staff at the Reed House are – and always will be – like family to us,” explained Mary Bainbridge. “They are the reason our 18-year-old son is home right now, and is as successful as he is. We can never repay Devereux for the kindness and unending support they gave – and are still giving us to this day.”   

Spreading holiday cheer

To make the 2018 holiday season extra special for the boys at Devereux Pennsylvania CIDDS’ Reed House, the Bainbridge family launched an online fundraising campaign, which generated nearly $1,000 in donations. 

The family used the funds to purchase a new flat-screen TV and PlayStation 4 game console for the house. The Bainbridges also bought each of the 19 boys their own gift, such as a remote-controlled car or walkie-talkie, as well as clothes and bicycle helmets.

“While some of the individuals we serve are able to spend the holidays with their families, others are still looking for that permanent place to call home. For them, the holidays can be especially challenging,” said Devereux Pennsylvania CIDDS Program Director Aaron Emmons. “Thanks to the generosity of the Bainbridge family, the boys at the Reed House were able to experience – first-hand – the true magic of the season.”

Mary added, “We are grateful for everything we have and for everyone in our lives. The boys at Devereux are great kids who are either going through a rough phase or have been dealt a really bad hand in life. We wanted to share with them as much of our happiness as possible.”

Learn about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

Latest News

		Devereux article on disparities in pain management featured in Behavioral Health News An article written by Devereux National Director of Behavioral Health Services Crystal Taylor-Dietz, Psy.D., was recently featured in Behavioral Health News. The article – “Disparities in pain management: Examining cultural inequities and the critical role of behavioral health providers” – explores the history of cultural disparities and how behavioral health professionals can assist systems of care.
		Devereux GA opens Grace’s Place to support survivors of human trafficking Devereux Georgia recently worked with Georgia first lady Marty Kemp, the state Department of Human Services and other community partners to open Grace’s Place, a commercial sexual exploitation recovery center for youth. Grace’s Place, located in Lawrenceville, helps survivors of human trafficking recover and rebuild their lives.
		Devereux honors nurses, teachers and mental health providers during May observances At Devereux, we are celebrating our more than 200 nurses, 200 teachers and 300 mental health providers who go above and beyond to meet the needs of the children, adolescents and adults they serve.
		Mental Health Awareness Month: Fostering open dialogue, understanding and support During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is highlighting the importance of talking openly about mental health to combat stigma, foster a culture of empathy and understanding, and encourage those in need to seek support.

More Stories