Gerard Heller has lived at an adult home in Coney Island for almost nineteen years. He has been in the mental health system since he was eight years old. He lived in various facilities in the Bronx and Far Rockaway as a child and young adult, thenlived with his mother for three years in his early twenties. She died in a fire that destroyed his building. He was taken to Kings County hospital for treatment of his injuries, and placed from there at Surf Manor.

Gerard is Vice President of the Resident Council at his adult home and President of the Community Council at his day program. He is on CIAD’s Board of Directors and has been an active member of its policy committee since its inception. He is eager to have the chance to live more independently.