Jordan, who turns 19 tomorrow, is one of 33 clients with complex care needs living in seven group homes in Albion Park managed by Cram.

Twenty-two of those have been with the organisation since they were young children.

But with the youngest client turning 18 recently, for the first time in Cram's 80-year history the foundation has no children in its care.

Cram CEO Gareth McKeen is now calling on the government to provide more funding to help the organisation expand its services to care for other severely and profoundly disabled young people.

"It's ironic that an organisation which was called the Illawarra Society for Crippled Children [until 1999] no longer caters for children, as they have all grown up," Mr McKeen said.

"We have the expertise and are ready, willing and able to expand our services and take on more clients - and we'd very much like the opportunity to look after younger people again.

"There's changes occurring within the industry with the national disability insurance scheme on the horizon, and we want to take a proactive approach to make sure we have a financially viable future."

Mr McKeen said the organisation was formed in 1932 and in that time had different functions, operating as a children's hospital as well as an educational institution and a nursing home.

In 2002 and 2003, clients moved from Cram House in Crown St, Wollongong to the group homes.

Mr McKeen said Cram now relied on government funding to provide 24-hour care and accommodation for clients who were physically and-or medically frail.

These include Jordan, who has intellectual and physical disabilities and has grown up in a group home with three other young people with similar needs.

Community support worker Kathy Kelly and registered nurse Diane Wood have cared for Jordan since she was three years old.

Both said she lives a full and happy life in spite of her disabilities.

"Communication doesn't have to be verbal - she can't tell us how she's feeling but we know by the way she reacts and smiles," Ms Wood said.

"Since we moved from Cram House, her health and her happiness have improved greatly - having constant carers who know her and can interpret her needs makes such a difference."

Mr McKeen said Jordan's family sought Cram's support due to the complexity of her needs.

"It's better for young people to be in community-based care than nursing homes - our history is in looking after children and we would welcome the opportunity to look after more of them," he said.