Supporting Lifelong Growth & Fulfillment
Mainstay is committed to supporting people with intellectual disabilities and autism as they live their best lives as they choose. Our predecessor agencies – Horizon Homes and Idlewood Center – launched this commitment in 1971. And in 1999, Mainstay was formed by the uniting of Horizon and Idlewood. Across the years, we strive to enrich lives and unlock potential. Please join us on this journey!
Compassion, and Excellence
Since 1971, Mainstay has been a trusted partner in providing compassionate support and essential services for people with intellectual disabilities and autism.
Our Vision
Creating a world where people with diverse abilities thrive in inclusive, supportive communities.
Our Mission
We enrich lives through person-centered support and inclusive community programs, unlocking the full potential of people with diverse abilities.
Our Values
Mainstay offers compassionate support, empowering people with intellectual disabilities and autism to achieve their goals. Our values guide our commitment to quality and community.
Empowerment
We provide the tools, resources, support, and advocacy for people with diverse abilities to reach their fullest potential. We foster independence and self-confidence, champion their rights, and enable fulfilling lives.
Dignity
We treat every person with respect and honor, valuing their unique talents and ensuring fair, compassionate treatment. We create an inclusive, trauma informed environment where everyone feels valued and supported, fostering belonging for all.
Collaboration
We partner with people supported, families, colleagues, and the community to deliver comprehensive services. Through open communication and shared goals, we achieve the best outcomes. Our spirit of partnership strengthens relationships and service quality.
Innovation
We continually seek new ways to improve services and support. By embracing change and new technologies, we enhance the quality of life for those we serve. Our drive for creativity keeps us at the forefront of exceptional services.
Accountability
We take ownership of our actions and commitments. We maintain transparency, uphold integrity, and ensure high-quality services to meet the needs of those we support. This approach builds trust, confidence in our team, and reliability in community partnerships.
Our Values
Mainstay Life Services offers compassionate support, empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism to achieve their goals. Our values guide our commitment to quality and community.
The Story Behind the Logo
In 2024, as Mainstay celebrated its 25th anniversary, we launched our new branding. The center of the “M” is replaced with a geometric graphic that depicts both a person and a keyhole. This graphic symbolizes the diverse community of people that together create Mainstay – the team of staff members, the people we work for, community members, funders, and other stakeholders who make achieving our mission possible. The keyhole itself serves as a visual metaphor to unlocking the boundless opportunities and potential that lies ahead. This logo integrates seamlessly with our tagline: Enriching Lives. Unlocking Potential.
However, as with most things, the message is in the eye of the beholder. Our keyhole figure has also been seen as an angel or as a person being supported on either side, held up by the “M.” All are beautiful interpretations of the work Mainstay does.
Our History
Mainstay’s history is built upon the stories of hundreds of people and of two organizations, Horizon Homes, Inc. and Idlewood Center. In 1969, a small group of parents led by Rabbi Walter Jacob founded Horizon Homes; in 1971, Horizon opened its first home where young children with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) could receive clinical care and training. Also in 1971, community leaders and families of people with ID/A, led by William Hoebler, united to establish community-based homes by organizing Idlewood Center. For years, Idlewood Center provided those in its care an opportunity to live a more self-determined lifestyle in the community.
Horizon and Idlewood were pioneers in developing services for people with ID/A in Allegheny County. In the mid-1980s, both experienced a marked increase in demand for residential services due to the downsizing and eventual closing of state institutions. In 1999, Idlewood and Horizon united to form Mainstay Life Services. This produced a larger organization with an enhanced organizational capability and capacity.
Today at Mainstay, we honor our rich history, our tremendous growth since 1999, and we always look ahead to lead ID/A services to where they need to be. We are not afraid to do things differently, and to try new things that will unlock a person’s full potential and help them to live their best life as they choose. We hope you will partner with us as we continue to build a bright future.
Meet our Board & Leadership
Our dedicated team combines diverse expertise and a shared passion for making a difference.
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Mainstay Stories
Discover stories of empowerment, resilience, community engagement, advocacy, and so much more!
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Provider
Partnerships
As the human services sector continues to experience change, opportunities emerge for organizations to partner. Are you interested in exploring a collaboration with Mainstay? We’d love to talk!
To start the conversation, complete the referral form and choose “Provider Partnerships.”