To the Lifehouse community,
Our son Michael is a sweet, happy, social, and childlike 36-year-old young man. He loves going for walks with his Lifehouse staff, and is well known in the small community he lives in. But, life has not been easy for Michael. Following a medical accident at birth we didn’t know what to expect for his future. Now, at 6’4” and 250 lbs., Michael has the mind of a 2-year-old with a low threshold for frustration. Like many people in Michael’s situation he has challenging behaviors, frequently triggered by dealing with people who don’t understand him.
As Michael completed his school years, we were also facing other medical issues in our family and it was apparent we needed to plan for his future independent from us. It was difficult to imagine and understand how it would be possible for Michael to thrive outside of our family environment.
Our desire was to support Michael’s future happiness in a lively, social environment with people that would understand him and his needs, and help him to achieve a happy and fulfilling life. But who could possibly step in to support this role? This was our greatest fear - who would be patient with him, take the time to learn his unique communication, understand his language, his wants and desires, and care for him? Who would love our son?
Finding Lifehouse 8 years ago was a revelation. The team has been incredibly dedicated and caring, supporting Michael through good times and difficult ones over these years. This amazing team, from the managers to the direct support staff, has added so much to his life and Michael is thriving in a lovely home with two roommates. As a group the Lifehouse staff works together to support each other with the same care and understanding, leading to improved stability, cohesiveness, and continuity. We all benefit!
The peace of mind we have today is profound, in knowing that Michael is appreciated for who he is, and that he is loved and cared for. Lifehouse has added stability not only to Michael’s life, but to our entire family as well. We feel such joy in seeing that his life can be happy and fulfilling even when we are not here to share his laughter and smiling face.
There are many families with hopes, dreams, challenges and fears like ours. Lifehouse and its future is critical to ensure this invaluable resource remains strong and solid. Please join us in supporting this amazing organization!
With profound gratitude,
Diana & Sean McDonough
