The Emmaus name hails from a Biblical story which reflects the Emmaus philosophy of sharing our lives with people with intellectual disabilities.

In the Gospel of Luke, there is a story about two disciples who are walking the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus and are joined by Jesus, but don’t recognize him. When they arrive at Emmaus, they invite the stranger to join them for a meal. He does, and when Jesus “breaks the bread” and blesses the meal, the disciples “eyes are opened,” and they recognize him.

At Emmaus, we believe that only when we truly share our lives with others (whether literally breaking bread over a shared meal or sharing the many joys and sorrows of everyday life) do we see people as they really are. When people with and without disabilities come together in Community, they’re able to see and value the unique gifts of each person, regardless of ability. This togetherness and focus on Community is the cornerstone of life at Emmaus.

Emmaus has been providing permanent homes, services, and advocacy to individuals with intellectual disabilities for more than 30 years.

In 1989, Lorraine and Ken Wagner, parents of a daughter with a disability, were inspired to write and send letters to everyone they knew inviting them to a meeting to study, discuss and discern how to better serve persons with intellectual disabilities. As a result of those discussions, and in concert with prayerful reflection, focused planning efforts and a groundswell of activity, Emmaus was formed.

The Community, inspired by Faith and a desire to help others, seeks to improve the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities. In living, working, and breaking bread together, people with and without disabilities enjoy fellowship by sharing who they are and what they have with one another. Strengthened by its spirituality and prayerful direction, the Community helps all members grow and become whole.

To accomplish its mission, Emmaus works toward the following goals:

• To maintain the highest quality of care in residential homes that fosters acceptance by the community;
• To create an environment where everyone can use his or her abilities to live to their fullest potential;
• To educate the community about the needs of persons with developmental disabilities and advocate for a productive response to those needs;
• To provide short-term respite opportunities for families and individuals; and
• To reduce the number of persons who are on the emergency waiting list in Allegheny County.