Esther started at Gabriel Homes in spring 2001 and retired in fall 2022. In her 21 years, she worked with each of the residents and is fondly remembered as a determined, dependable leader. She stayed late for shifts when needed and stuck to her principles. Because of her consistency, the residents knew they could trust her.
"Esther is a good person, and we always liked having her around," said Rich, a resident at Gabriel Homes. "I always liked her cooking, like her pancakes on Good Friday. She taught us to make boiled eggs, and I miss her a lot."
During COVID, Esther stepped in for overnight shifts. The residents immediately took to her.
"I always liked when Esther came to our house," said Lucy, another resident. "She always said hi and helped me when I was home. I miss her, too."
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Kathleen Connolly, the parent of a former resident at Gabriel Homes, is a former longtime board member. One of her greatest achievements was being one of the pioneers of the annual Golf Tournament. Despite knowing little about the sport, she stepped up to run the event when the board first proposed the idea. Kathleen made the first tournament a success through the support of local faith leaders and her family.
"Kathleen, with her family and friends, strengthened our board through everyone's generosity and expertise," said Monsignor Bob Cilinski, former president of Gabriel Homes. "She is a champion of life and sees the worth in every person."
Her daughter Sarah brought great joy and leadership when she was a resident at Gabriel Homes, and staff and residents often cheer her praises to this day.
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Reuben has long been considered the North Star of Gabriel Homes. Since 1997, he has been calm and compassionate in all situations. Residents have always felt comfortable talking to Reuben when they go through turbulent times; he's always lent a listening ear.
"He's easy to talk to when I get home from work," says Stephen, a resident at Gabriel Homes. "Evenings are nice when we're on the couch watching TV."
Families, staff, and residents have built strong bonds with Reuben. Through success and grief, Reuben has earned earned the trust of the community.
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The late Thomas Freaney Jr., a caring father and attorney who helped create the board, served on the board for many years and created the documents to establish Gabriel Homes’ legal entity.
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The late Aaron Palmer who was on the staff of Catholic Charities and helped establish the organization. He served as the first Executive Director for Gabriel Homes over 10 years and helped integrate our residents to be part of the Reston Community.
He began his social work career in Wilmington, DE at Family Services of Delaware. In 1958, he moved to CT, where Mr. Palmer continued to pursue his social work career with Catholic Charities, Dioceses of Norwich for 12 years. In 1970, he moved to Fairfax, VA, where he became executive director of Catholic Family and Children Services, which later became Catholic Charities of Arlington Diocese. During Mr. Palmer's tenure, many new programs were initiated, including Gabriel Homes.
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The late Patrick Kane who is a fixture in the Reston Community and whose legacy is seen all over the Reston area. He answered an ad in the paper to help establish an inclusive community where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live. He lived his motto, ”Why Not Today?” and he planted in the founder's thoughts, "why not Reston?"
Patrick, a community planner who was instrumental in the development of Reston, ensured that it would be a place where everyone can live, regardless of race, creed, economic status, and it attracted resident pioneers with a keen sense if social justice. It was the place of the first Gabriel Home's dwelling and we remain here decades later.
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The late Fr. Gerry Creedon, a leader, a dedicated man of world ministry, and a man whose gifts to our community leave a legacy that is too vast to talk about in such a short time. The longtime pastor of Holy Family Church in Dale City was beloved from Ireland to the Dominican Republic and throughout Virginia. He was known for being a voice for the poor, an accomplished poet and musician, and an inspiration to many.
He was the director of Catholic Charities in the early 80’s, when Fran Campbell, a mother of a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities, approached him to talk about how they could work together to be change agents for adults having a desire to live independently in our community. Without his leadership, Gabriel Homes would not exist.
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The late Fran Campbell; a mother, a visionary, a change agent who dreamed of something better for her child and others who have amazing abilities to offer to an inclusive community. Fran and her husband William had four children and along with other parents of developmentally disabled children fought for public school education for their children. This led to a career in special religious education for the developmentally disabled.
In the early 80’s, Fran approached Fr. Gerry Creedon, the director of Catholic Charities at the time, to talk about how they could work together to be change agents for adults having a desire to live independently in our community. Without her pioneering vision and the partnership with Catholic Charities, Gabriel Homes would not exist.
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John has lived with Gabriel Homes since 1989. He is part of the soul of Gabriel Homes and is a friend to all. He is the perfect example of our mission to enable those with developmental and intellectual disabilities to live safely and independently within the local community. John was only 22 years old when he moved to Gabriel Homes, since then he has grown into an independent, mature gentleman who has successfully maintained competitive employment in the community as well as friendly relationships with neighbors. He is also a regular and welcome visitor to many local establishments. Just as the founders of Gabriel Homes hoped, John has been able to live in a meaningful way and be a valuable member of the community through the various stages of his life. He continues to be an integral member of the Gabriel Homes and Reston community.
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Chris moved to Gabriel Homes in 1989 when he was just 23 years old and fresh out of school. Since then, he has grown and matured into an outgoing and outspoken man who has become the face of Gabriel Homes to many in the community. He is well known and well respected in the local community, an active participant at St. John Neumann's and has a leadership role with the Knights of Columbus. Chris often represents Gabriel Homes at important events such as the KOVAR Grant Awards, Parish Events, Bishop's Masses, FCPS Transition Fairs and other occasions where Gabriel Homes wants to put its best foot forward. He is the embodiment of this organization's mission. Spend any time with Chris and you will soon realize he may be small in physical stature but big in character.