When Kathy Hirsch walks into her daughter’s home, she can’t help but smile.
“That house has a really good vibe,” said Kathy. “I couldn’t be happier, and I’m so blessed that Kelley is able to live there.”
Kelley and her three housemates live at Eden’s newest residence. The 3,400-square-foot ranch-style house opened last August and was fully renovated to support residents as they age. The home features an open floor plan that includes an eat-in kitchen, living room, great room, four bedrooms, and two and a half bathrooms. Accessibility enhancements include front and rear ramps, a composite deck, and a host of modern upgrades.
The most important feature of the house is the space. Three of the women previously lived in an apartment, which offered limited space for them to do activities independently or as a group. In the house, residents gather in the kitchen to make homemade pizzas and enjoy meals together. Movie nights are held in shared spaces. An area of the house is designated for arts and crafts.
Staff worked with the participants and their families to ensure the move from the apartment into the house went smoothly. Weeks before the move, parents and staff would pack up the women’s items and bring them to the house with the participants. This gave the residents a chance to see their new rooms and explore the house to get comfortable with the space before they lived there.
“Change for my daughter can be very difficult. Eden staff did a beautiful job,” said Kathy. “It was a very nice transition that exceeded my expectations.”
The house is in a quiet neighborhood close to several shopping centers and restaurants, which the staff and participants take full advantage of. Going to restaurants and shopping are weekly activities that the women look forward to.
Going out to dinner might seem like a small activity to many neurotypical people, but for Eden participants and their families, it can be a significant task.
“It means everything to me,” said Kathy. “By Eden doing so much with Kelley, it makes it easier for me to take her out because she has desensitized herself to all different types of surroundings. I can now take her out to dinner, no problem, because the staff take her everywhere.”
Kelley has been with Eden since she joined the Eden School when she was 7 years old. She has grown into a kind, funny young woman who loves arts and crafts, shopping, and spending time with her housemates, family, and Eden staff.
“It’s not a house — it’s a home,” said her mom. “It’s a great feeling when I’m pulling out of the driveway that Kelley is in a place where she is so well taken care of.”
Support Kelley and her housemates with a gift to our spring appeal. Learn more and make a gift here.