A Queens home that provided decades of care, community, and belonging now carries the name of a resident who helped define its spirit.
On March 16, YAI officially dedicated and renamed its Bayside residence the Goodman IRA, honoring Ellen “Ellie” Goodman’s 40-year journey with the organization and the lasting impact she had on those around her.
The renaming was made possible through a generous gift from Ellie’s brother, Dr. Ira Goodman—an expression of gratitude for the care and community that shaped her life.
“It’s a sense of great pride,” Goodman said. “This is the least I could do to express my gratitude to YAI. I can’t imagine what our lives would have been like without this organization. It was that integral.”
Ellie joined YAI in the 1980s, first living at a residence on 19th Road in Queens before moving to the Bayside home, where she spent many years. Over time, the residence became more than a place to live, it became a true home.
Before finding YAI, Ellie lived in larger, more institutional settings. Goodman said the difference was immediate and profound.
“YAI was absolutely an upgrade,” he said. “Instead of a massive, impersonal facility, she lived in a house with six or eight other residents. It felt like a real home.”
Through YAI’s residential and day services, Ellie built a life filled with purpose and connection. She participated in a day program, worked in a workshop assembling materials, and formed meaningful relationships with peers and staff.
“It gave her a sense of independence and a sense of community,” Goodman said. “She took pride in what she did.”
Ellie, who was profoundly disabled, required a high level of care throughout her life. Goodman credits YAI staff for going above and beyond, often in ways that extended far beyond their job descriptions.
“Staff treated her like family,” he said. “They were always there, for support, for advice, for anything we needed. That kind of dedication makes all the difference.”
Even during Ellie’s final years, as she faced frequent hospitalizations, YAI maintained her place in the home.
“They kept her room open, even when it became unlikely she would return,” Goodman said. “That meant a great deal to us.”
Ellie passed away in 2022 at the age of 67, but her legacy lives on, not only in the newly named home, but in the lives she touched.
“Ellie was an important part of the Bayside community for many years. She formed strong relationships with both staff and the people she lived with, and her presence helped shape the warm, home-like environment we strive to create,” said David O’Keefe, Senior Regional Director of Queens. “She had a quiet strength and a genuine spirit that people connected with, and her impact is something we still feel today and it’s incredibly meaningful to see her legacy honored in this way.”
Described by her brother as curious, warm, and full of quiet determination, Ellie loved reading, especially children’s books and sports biographies, and enjoyed watching television, including her favorite show, Law & Order. Above all, she was known for her gentle nature.
“For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, having a real home and a real community is everything,” Goodman added. “YAI gave Ellie that. They gave her a fulfilling life.”