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 In 1922, Mr. Caesar A. Grasselli, President of Grasselli Chemical Works, deeded the family's summer home known as "Three Gables" to the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland for a home for children with crippling handicaps. "Three Gables" was renamed Rose-Mary after the Blessed Virgin and the beautiful rose gardens that Caesar Grasselli's invalid wife, Johanna, had created behind the mansion.
Rose-Mary, The Johanna Grasselli Rehabilitation and Education Center (RMC) opened in October 1922 with the Sisters of Humility of Mary assuming administrative responsibilities for the daily operations of the home. The first resident of Rose-Mary was Polly, a foundling discovered abandoned in an ash can in a deserted alleyway, her body crippled and covered with ulcers and sores, her sight impaired. With Rose-Mary's help, Polly grew into a typical healthy child giving promise of a happy, productive life. Through the early years the Sisters and dedicated staff transformed Rose-Mary from a summer cottage to a well known treatment center for children with cerebral palsy, victims of polio, accidents and other childhood handicaps.
 In 1943 the late Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Delaney presented their property to the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. The Delaney home was subsequently incorporated into the Rose-Mary Center and is recognized today as the Administration Building. Rose-Mary's main building was built in 1949 and connects the two mansions formerly known as the Grasselli and Delaney homes.
A significant change occurred in 1967 when, after serving children with physically handicapping conditions for 45 years, Rose-Mary Center revised its mission to serve children with intellectual disabilities and other multiple handicapping conditions. In 1987 RMC's mission was further expanded to include adults as well as children with
intellectual disabilities. Euclid House, Rose-Mary Center's first adult group home, was opened in 1989. In addition to the 40 children served at the original Euclid Avenue location, RMC presently operates seven group homes for 51 adult men and women. RMC's group homes are located in Cleveland, Euclid, Pepper Pike, Shaker Heights, and South Euclid, Ohio.
Financial support for Rose-Mary Center's programs and services comes through the federally regulated Medicaid program, from Catholic Charities Corporation and United Way Services, and from various other local and state agencies. Private contributions from individuals and various organizations have been all important in enabling RMC to continue to reach out to children and adults with special needs.
Rose-Mary Center provides residential, habilitation and education services; medical, dental, psychiatric and nursing care, as well as behavior management programs under a trained psychologist for clients with maladaptive behaviors. Also included are occupational, physical, speech and therapeutic recreation therapies.
In addition to providing short-term respite for adults caring for family members with intellectual disabilities living at home, RMC parents and family members are incorporated as vital members of the team process. Parent and family involvement is an integral part of training that helps to ensure carryover for visits with family and friends, for various activities in the local community and upon discharge.
Rose-Mary Center is perhaps best known for the many people whose skill, commitment and energy have become a reputable part of RMC's history. Rose-Mary Center today is the product of a long list of volunteers, professionals, trustees, organizations, religious and clergy who have shared in the RMC mission. To all of these people, Rose-Mary is eternally grateful! |
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