About Us :

Welcome to Gaston Residential Services (GRS). We hope you find the information you need to choose a support organization to assist you in obtaining and maintaining the best possible life in your community.

GRS was founded in May of 1975 by a group of parents, community leaders and mental health professionals who believed that people with disabilities are entitled to live in their community near family and friends. We were established as a nonprofit organization to provide long term living arrangements in small homes for five or fewer people. In our earliest days, we provided residential services for just five people. Currently, we serve approximately 100 people in residential neighborhoods throughout the Gaston County area. The people served by GRS are proud to work and volunteer in their community, to attend religious services at a church of their choice, to enjoy attending concerts, art openings, agricultural events, horse shows, car races, and taking advantage of Gaston County’s many parks.

Our Board of Directors is made up of an exceptional group of community leaders committed to GRS’ mission and values. They meet at least nine times a year to provide the overall guidance required for a nonprofit in these turbulent and changing times. They also provide encouragement to GRS’ staff and the people we are privileged to serve.

Throughout the years, we have adhered to our belief that remaining a local company was the best way to remove the barriers of prejudice that resulted from the historical exclusion of persons with cognitive limitations from their home communities.Our values and mission, while enhanced, have not changed. We are committed to sustainable and well managed growth while ensuring the quality of life of those we serve.

We have partnered with the City of Gastonia as well as its nonprofit, Reinvestment in Community, the local and state ARC’s, the Pathways LME, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, NC TASH, and other community organizations, foundations, and churches to promote our mission and include people with disabilities in all the community accomplishes. We look forward to future endeavors and partnerships, and we are committed to making a good community better!

Our staff has been recognized at the local, state and national levels for their work with Best Practices. They are committed to listening to each person served and encouraging them to participate in the everyday life of the community. Our staff is extensively educated in both state requirements and in specialized areas that contribute to the successful outcomes experienced by the people we serve.

Since 2001 GRS has also become a leader in the growing battle against homelessness. This endeavor has increased our awareness of the challenges facing persons with severe and persistent mental illness, poverty and the other social issues prevalent in our culture.

Please explore our site to learn more about the array of comprehensive services we provide. To request further information, please feel free to email us and we will get back to you.

Gaston Residential Services has achieved national accreditation through CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities).

Additionally, we have received national, state and local awards in recognition of our programs and achievements in best practice services, including

Community Building Award from the NC Community Support Providers Council. This is a statewide award for assisting individuals with disabilities to become true members of their community.

The Laura Maie Pettee Award is a statewide award presented to Rita Thuot, Executive Director, by the Community Living Association (now NCTASH), for her outstanding, statewide advocacy for persons with disabilities.

The Excellence In Innovation Award, also presented to Gaston Residential Services by the Community Living Association for cutting edge, best practice services.

The APSE Leadership Award, presented to Career Management Group, (formerly Employment Enterprises), a division of Gaston Residential Services, by APSE (The Association for Persons in Supported Employment). This is a national award in recognition of professional achievement in “Vision and Direction”.

The Housing of North Carolina Award, a statewide award presented by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency for “Achievement In Affordable Housing”.

Two of GRS’s homes have been recognized nationally by HUD (Housing and Urban Development) as their “Top 1000” homes in the nation.

In addition, many of the staff of GRS have received individual, local and state awards in recognition of their professionalism, their support to the individuals we serve and their advocacy for persons with disabilities.

Sincerely yours,

Rita B. Thuot
Executive Director