CGS offers a wide variety of support services for consumers with developmental disabilities, empowering them and enabling them to reach their greatest potential for development.

CGS encourages respect for the dignity and basic human rights of the individual person and provides opportunities for integrated community living experiences. CGS helps individuals achieve what each of us wants for ourselves and our own families…happy, secure lives with the opportunity to reach our greatest potential.

CGS also works as a liaison with other agencies that provide services, such as:

               Workshops:
                      Southeast Enterprises
                      Foundation

                      Nova
                      Rehab Institute
                      Goodwill Industries                        

               Day Programs:
                      CGS Adult Day Program
                      ICAN   

               State Schools:

             Trails West State School

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CGS was founded by committed citizens known as The Friends of the Handicapped. In 1967, CGS, then called Good Shepherd Manor, opened its doors to developmentally disabled adult men in the Kansas City area. Located at 23^rd and College in mid-town Kansas City, it was housed in the old "Queen of the World" Hospital and staffed by The Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd.

At this time, parents who could not care for their disabled adult children at home had little choice except governmental institutions. Many parents feared these places, where their adult children would be warehoused and neglected in a cold institutional environment. Their children deserved better. They wanted a place that would provide quality, loving care where their sons' dignity would be protected and enhanced. Good Shepherd protected and enhanced. Good Shepherd Manor was an answer to their prayers.

Good Shepherd Manor provided the men with quality care for over twenty years, but it was still an institutional-like facility. With over thirty men living in one large building and four to five men sharing a bedroom, they lacked privacy and the opportunity for growth within a supportive, family atmosphere.

In 1990, a major capital campaign was completed, and with the support of governmental and private funding, five group homes were built in south Kansas City. In 1991, the residents moved in, and the name of the organizational was changed to The Community of the Good Shepherd.

In January 2001, CGS expanded once again to form the Good Shepherd Adult Day Program. This program is licensed through the Division of Aging and is Medicaid funded. It provides services to men and women of the elderly, mentally challenged, and developmentally disabled populations. The new program includes a nurturing environment that enhances physical, emotional, and social qualities by providing healthy meals and snacks, exercise groups, and community integration outings. Good Shepherd Adult Day Program is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

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