RESIDENTIAL
THE ECDC RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
The ECDC Experience isn't one thing, it is EVERYTHING.
It is the way our programmatic community commits and supports one another.
It is how we understand peer matching.
It is how we work tirelessly to support individuals in developing and maintaining their independence to achieve their personal goals.
It is how we understand that needs evolve and change and everyone requires something different.
It is how we celebrate individualism.
It is how we use compassion and empathy to offer the best in care.
Eastern Community Development Corporation (ECDC) is proud to provide 11 residential homes across southeastern Connecticut, offering safe, supportive, and enriching environments for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Our agency was founded on the Residential Teaching Community model, which emphasizes community integration and effective teaching strategies to promote growth and independence. Through this model, individuals gain valuable life skills, build confidence, and experience greater inclusion within their communities.
Each of our residential locations is as unique as the individuals who live there. We take pride in thoughtful peer matching, ensuring that each home houses no more than three residents, supports compatibility, friendship, and mutual success.
Life in an ECDC residential home is about more than just living together; it’s about building meaningful relationships, participating in the community, and developing skills that foster greater independence.
At ECDC, we believe that every residence should truly feel like home. That’s why we prioritize creating warm, welcoming, and personalized environments where each person feels safe, comfortable, and valued.
Our Residential Services Include:
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24-hour supports and supervision
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Awake overnight staff
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Personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs
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Healthcare coordination and advocacy
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Community integration and activity planning
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Behavioral consultation and support (as needed)
Robert Valentine – DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Robert started his career working with The Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) as a teenager in 1998 where he utilized his high school's learning through service program to volunteer for DDS (formerly DMR) as a job trainer, paraprofessional, and life coach.
In 2010 Robert was an In-Home Support Staff and Mentor for Guide Inc. before eventually coming to Eastern Community Development Corporation (ECDC) in September of 2013. With ECDC he finally made the transition from say services to the residential side of DDS services. During his time as a Residential Manager Robert also worked on numerous Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) cases and helped streamline many day-to-day aspects of ECDC's residential programs.
In 2018 Robert assisted with ECDC's expansion into East Hampton by running their middle school program for a year until the last student had aged out. During the summer of 2019, his role extended into being a peer mentor and helping supervise the opening of two brand new residential sites. In the year 2020 Robert was promoted to Assistant Program Coordinator where he helped administer the birth, expansion, and eventual growth of ECDC's Senior Supports Program. Also, during that year, with covid restrictions limiting many aspects of residential life, he helped create more versatile schedules and staffing patterns across the agency. His forward thinking helped transform the agency during a crucial period which offered support to individuals, their loved ones, and our employees.
In 2022 Robert was promoted to Program Coordinator where he oversaw five of ECDC's 10 residential homes. During this time, he continued to advocate for streamlining processes to help serve the individuals in our care, and the staff we employ.
In 2024 Robert was promoted to Director of Residential Services. In this role he is responsible for strategic planning, agency development, and full oversight of all of ECDC's eleven residential sites.
Robert is currently certified as a Customized Employment Specialist and a DDS Abuse & Neglect Investigator. He believes that through learning and being an active listener he is able to further the agencies mission to strengthen and improve lifestyles for people of all abilities.
Outside of work, Robert is a diehard Buffalo Bills fan who loves spending time with his wife and family and his good boy Thurman. He also does not mind taking a Disney vacation from time to time.