First episode with our new focus - three moms talk about their forever home solutions

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Episode Summary: In this first episode of Forever Home for our kids with disabilities, we explore various options for creating a forever home for children with disabilities. I speak with two moms who have taken different approaches to ensure their children have a secure and supportive living environment. We hear from Cheryll  Wagner about apartment living with support; Dr. Lisa Campbell on choosing a residential facility for her daughter; and I share the solutions my husband and I created for our two children.

Key Takeaways:

1.  Cheryll Wagner’s Story – Apartment Living with Support: (skip back to episode 41 for full episode) 

- Cheryll has two sons with disabilities who live in an apartment with support services.

- She highlights the importance of fostering independence while ensuring they have the assistance they need.

- This option works well for individuals who can manage some aspects of daily life but still require structured support.

2.   Dr. Lisa Campbell’s Journey – Choosing a Residential Facility: (skip back to episode 42 for full episode) 

- Dr. Campbell shares her emotional journey of placing her daughter Jasmine in a residential facility.

- She discusses the cultural and personal challenges she faced in making this decision.

- Despite the difficulty, she found that this choice allowed both her and her daughter to grow and thrive.

- Over time, Jasmine moved between different facilities that best suited her needs, ultimately thriving in an environment where she could make choices and live on her terms.

3.  My Personal Experience – Two Unique Housing Solutions:

- My husband and I made the decision to transition our oldest daughter, Melody-Anne, into a supported living environment within our own home.

- We moved out and had two other young women with disabilities join her, while an agency provided 24-hour care.

- This choice allowed Melody-Anne to remain in a familiar setting while gaining independence and developing essential social skills.

- For our youngest child, we created a separate legal basement suite with the goal of fostering gradual independence.

- While they are not yet ready to move in, we remain hopeful that, with time and support, they will gain the necessary skills to transition successfully.

Final Thoughts: This episode highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to housing for children with disabilities. Each family must consider their unique circumstances, cultural expectations, and what will best support their child’s growth and well-being.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with other parents, caregivers, or family members who could benefit from these insights. And, if you're ready to start planning your child's forever home but aren't sure where to begin, I invite you to connect with me—I’d love to brainstorm with you!

Stay Connected:

·  Sign up for my monthly newsletter for insights and guidance on planning a forever home for your child. Email me at hello.hellocoachingwithvalerieanne.com.

·  Follow the podcast for more inspiring stories and practical advice.

Until next time - Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey!

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/