BISHOP GRADY VILLAS, INC.
ST. CLOUD, FLORIDA

Mission & Vision Mission: We are called to teach and live the Light of Christ toward Goodness, Righteousness and Truth. We respond to this call by enkindling a deeper faith in the hearts and minds of our brothers and sisters; forming leaders in Christ; and harmonizing ministries to the mission of the Catholic Church. The beams of light shining forth from the cross and the Eucharist symbolize the Light of Christ and remind us of the Diocese of Orlando mission statement: “You are the light of the world. Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father “(Matthew 5:14, 16). Diocese of Orlando is prominently visible on the logo because it is the name which represents all parishes, schools, entities and ministries within Central Florida that are united under Most Reverend John Noonan, bishop of the Diocese of Orlando. We are the mystical Body of Christ because of the intimate communion which Jesus shares with us, his followers and disciples. The nine counties of the Diocese of Orlando are Marion, Volusia, Sumter, Orange, Seminole, Brevard, Lake, Polk and Osceola. Bishop Grady Villas supports persons with disabilities to use their God-given gifts to achieve greater independence, physical and emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. We empower these individuals from throughout Central Florida to reach their full potential through Christ-centered, personalized and wholistic residential, vocational and employment services, and community support. Bishop Grady Villas is licensed by the State of Florida as an Assisted Living Facility, License # AL10398, Certificate # 51485, Effective 12/26/2017. Bishop Grady Villas is a 501(c)3 organization. Established in 2004, Bishop Grady Villas, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was the dream of Sr. Elizabeth Marie Stoup, SSJ. Sister envisioned a residential community where adults with intellectual disabilities could live as independently as possible while receiving supports to be safe and healthy. Our services quickly grew to include pre-vocational, employment, respite and companion services for individuals who reside throughout Orange, Osceola, Polk, and Seminole Counties. Our Mission: Bishop Grady Villas supports persons with disabilities to use their God-given gifts to achieve greater independence, physical and emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. We empower these individuals from throughout Central Florida to reach their full potential through Christ-centered, personalized and wholistic residential, vocational and employment services, and community support. Bishop Grady Villas Prayer: Bishop Grady Villas began as an idea of Sr. Elizabeth Marie Stoup, a Sister of St. Joseph of St. Augustine and principal of Morning Star School in Orlando for children with disabilities. Sr. Elizabeth saw many of her students achieve amazing milestones at school only to graduate to a life of sitting at home without the opportunity to work or have a meaningful day. Sister began to dream of a residential community where her students could have the support they needed to live as independently as possible while also experiencing responsibility. To accomplish this, Sister gathered a group of dedicated volunteers together who were committed to making Sister’s dream a reality. As the third Bishop of Orlando, Bishop Norbert Dorsey participated in discussions about the possibility of a residential community rooted in our Catholic faith for adults with disabilities, but the real moment of grace arrived after the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. The mother of a child diagnosed with Down syndrome shared with the bishop that she had just been diagnosed with cancer and asked him, “Who will take care of my child when I am no longer able?” It was at that moment Bishop Dorsey realized it was time to move forward with Bishop Grady Villas. Bishop Dorsey procured land that would help the organization fulfill its unique mission. The ideal location had to be in a residential area near a Catholic Church for spiritual and physical support, and within close proximity to local businesses and a bus line so residents could pursue employment and be active citizens of their community. This location was found in St. Cloud, on 11 acres next door to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. After a capital campaign, in which all parishes of the Diocese pledged their support, Bishop Grady Villas opened its doors to our first two residents on January 1, 2004. In 2008, Bishop Grady Villas expanded its services to include Employment Services. These services assist jobseekers with disabilities, who reside throughout Central Florida, in acquiring and maintaining competitive and customized employment. Kevin began his career with Bishop Grady Villas in 2004 as Resident/Staff Development Director. During this time he supervised the Assisted Living Community and provided employment services to the residents of Bishop Grady Villas, assisting them in acquiring competitive employment. In 2008, Kevin was appointed Executive Director and oversaw expansion of the program through contracts with the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Social Security Administration Ticket To Work. Under his leadership, Bishop Grady Villas has become one of Central Florida’s 25 largest nonprofit organizations. In 2011, Kevin was named the Florida Assisted Living Associations’ Assisted Living Administrator of the Year. Bishop Grady Villas is licensed by the State of Florida as an Assisted Living Facility, License # AL10398, Certificate # 51485, Effective 12/26/2017. Bishop Grady Villas is a 501(c)3 organization. Bishop Grady Villas is registered by the State of Florida as a Homemaker & Companion Services provider, Registration # 230467, Certificate# 21024, Effective 03/24/2016. The Blessings of Bishop Grady Villas Residents and staff at Bishop Grady Villas share about the blessings of friendship, community support and more.