Mainstay Life Services’ history is a history of two organizations, Idlewood Center and Horizon Homes, established in 1971 and 1969 respectively. Mainstay Life Services was formed on January 1, 1999, through the merger of these two non-profit agencies. The commitment of Mainstay Life Services has been to continue the tradition and missions of these two vital community organizations. Horizon Homes and Idlewood Center were pioneers in developing services and supports for individuals with mental retardation in Allegheny County. Both were recognized for quality of service and commitment to individuals and their families. Each organization also had strong Boards of Directors who were involved in governance, policy-making and fundraising. In the mid-1980s, Horizon Homes and Idlewood Center experienced a marked increase in residential services due to the downsizing and eventual closing of state institutions. In 1993, Chartiers MH/MR Center divested itself of residential programming and requested assistance from Horizon Homes and Idlewood Center. Once again, these two organizations responded to the needs of the community through expansion of their residential services. In recognizing the challenges of the 21st Century, both Horizon Homes and Idlewood Center were instrumental in the development of the Comprehensive Service Alliance, a consortium of four mental retardation service providers. Through this joint venture corporation, member agencies collaborate to share resources, discover and develop efficiencies, and expand current services to meet emerging needs. Mainstay Life Services, like all members of the Alliance, is committed to meeting the changing needs of its consumer base and those of the community at large.
