Jack Mabley Development Center: Open doors and open arms

DIXON – Walking through doors that have been threatened with closure more than once, dozens of people flooded the halls of the Jack Mabley Developmental Center on Thursday to commemorate its impact as a home to those who don’t have many places to turn.

“It’s not just a state facility, it’s a home,” said Regina Heise, daughter of Nicholas De Leonardis, one of the center’s founders.

The Mabley center, which celebrated its 30th anniversary with a ceremony and open house Thursday, provides a community for 105 residents with developmental and sensory disabilities, and often a mix of the two.

“This has really improved the lives of people with developmental disabilities,” said Greg Fenton, director of the developmental disabilities division of the Illinois Department of Human Services.

About 95 percent of the Mabley staff know sign language, more than at any other of the state’s seven developmental centers, he said.

De Leonardis, who died in March, worked with former Gov. James R. Thompson to build the center after the Dixon Developmental Center was converted into Dixon Correctional Center.

The Chicago economist fought several attempts to close the facility, including 5 years ago when Mabley was on the state’s chopping block.

De Leonardis left a legacy of perseverance, compassion and humanity, Fenton said.

“He significantly raised the bar for the rest of us,” he said.

Heise said her father’s devotion to the facility was rooted in his love for her sister, Debbie, who lived at Mabley until her death in 2002.

Barbara Achino, president of the Mabley parents association, said she plans to continue De Leonardis’ work to keep the center’s doors open.

Residents displaced from closed developmental facilities often are placed in community homes, an option that’s not necessarily an effective solution, she said.

“This facility is crucial,” she said. “We have all tried community placement, and we have all failed.”

Her sons, Michael and Bob Metallo, have lived at Mabley for 18 and 13 years, respectively, and Achino said they are provided with everything they need.

“It’s a great place, and I thank God every day my boys are safe and happy,” she said.

The open house featured residents’ artwork on display and also a taped talent show from 2 weeks ago, when Bob Metallo sang “Hungry Eyes.”

Jack Mabley, a veteran Chicago journalist and founder of the Forgotten Children’s Fund, died in 2006 at age 90.

MORE INFO

Call 815-288-8300 or go to the Department of Human Services website at dhs.state.il.us for more information on the Jack Mabley Developmental Center, 1120 Washington Ave., in Dixon.