Our History
The seed is planted…
In September 2020, five families from Grimes, Iowa met and shared their hopes, dreams, and concerns for their sons & daughters with disabilities and their futures. An idea of an inclusive residential community for persons with disabilities was developed after reading an article from The Washington Post about Home of our Own in New Glarus, Wisconsin. They made contact with Susan Wallitisch, one of the founders, and their journey began with the goal of building a residential community that blends persons with disabilities with working families, independent and active seniors and individuals of every age.
Our Inspiration
Meet Isaac
Isaac is a 20-year-old male who loves reading, swinging, music, and being active in the community. Isaac has autism, is nonverbal, and has sensitive ears, but that does not stop him from being a very happy guy! He has been confirmed in his hometown Catholic Church and likes to attend church with his family. He is supportive of his community athletics and enjoys going to games. Isaac loves to participate in Special Olympics and has competed in basketball, bowling and track. Isaac likes and cheers for the Iowa State Cyclones!
Meet Andrew
Andrew is 21 years old. He graduated from the Senior Plus Program at Dallas Center-Grimes Schools. Through this program, Andrew had a variety of work experiences. He’s worked at Hy-Vee, Canoyer Garden Center, The Right Stuf, The Food Depot and the Johnston Library.
Andrew loves music. While at DC-G, Andrew was a member of the choir and marching band for four years. Andrew has also taken piano lessons for 13 years. He enjoys all genres of music and when listening to the radio always wants to know who the artist is. Andrew has perfect pitch and can tell you any note or what key a song is in.
Andrew loves electronics and noisy toys. One of Andrew’s favorite things to do is go on car rides to his grandma and grandpa’s or his Aunt and Uncle’s house. It’s especially fun if they take him to Target or Barnes and Noble to check out their latest toys and books. Andrew also likes reading, swimming, going on walks and bike rides and going to arcades.
Meet Emily
Emily was born on January 14, 2000. She lives with her family – her father, Stan, her mother, Cindy, and her sister, Erica. When Emily was 4 years old, she began having seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Eventually, the seizures caused cognitive delays. Her seizures are mostly controlled by meds now, but continues to have them.
Emily has always been very social and has had lots of wonderful friends. She also has many hobbies. Her favorite things to do is singing and dancing. She loves music. She also likes to swim and tube, play games and watch movies. She really enjoys getting together with friends, especially going out to eat.
During Emily’s school years, she was in Girl Scouts from Kindergarten to 12th grade. She also took dance lessons for over 10 years. In middle school, she began the Best Buddies program and still attends Best Buddies events. In high school, Emily was in choir. She was also on the cheerleading squad for both football and basketball. Her senior year, Emily was the homecoming queen. During her “super senior” years, Emily helped manage the varsity basketball team.
Emily was in the school-to-work program where she worked at several different jobs. She currently works at Fareway Grocery Store in the produce department. She enjoys her job, bagging up the fruits and vegetables and conversing with her co-workers. She has worked there for 2 years now.
