About Us

Welcome to A Home of My Own, a heartfelt initiative that began in 2018 through the passion and dedication of founders Paul and Mary Ann Egan. Motivated by their personal journey with their son, Ryan, who was born prematurely at 24 weeks in 1992, the Egans envisioned a place where individuals with developmental disabilities, like Ryan, could find not just housing but a genuine home.

The genesis of this mission can be traced back to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where Ryan spent his first two months battling the challenges of premature birth. Despite the initial uncertainties, Paul and Mary Ann committed themselves to supporting Ryan’s development. Through surgeries and unwavering care, Ryan blossomed into a resilient and content young man, albeit with physical and developmental disabilities.

As Ryan approached adulthood, his parents faced the daunting question of his future living arrangements. Unsettled by the limited involvement parents typically have in managed group homes, the Egans sought an alternative. This quest led them to the concept of Self-Directed Services, offering a means to finance home operation and staffing. Choosing a residence on Magnolia Street, they established a home for Ryan and two other men with disabilities. Recognizing the need for professional home management, A Home of My Own was founded, not just as a solution for Ryan but as a guiding light for families navigating similar challenges.

Vision Statement

A community where special needs adults are given the opportunity to live a dignified life in a safe and personalized setting.

Mission Statement

The mission of A Home of My Own is to provide families of special needs adults the assistance needed to create a caring and supporting community home for their loved ones assuring that these individuals will be cared for as they grow as adults and after their parents or guardians are no longer able to provide care.

Putting the Mission into Practice

The goal of A Home of My Own focuses on supporting families with special needs adults by assisting them in establishing a caring and supportive community home for their loved ones. This mission has several important components:

  • Support for Families: A Home of My Own recognizes the challenges that families face when caring for special needs adults. By providing support, they aim to ease the burden on these families and help them navigate the complex journey of caring for their loved ones.
  • Creating a Caring and Supportive Community Home: The
    organization’s mission involves the establishment of a dedicated living space that caters to the unique needs of special needs adults. This home is designed to offer a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment.
  • Confidence in Care: An essential part of the mission is to give families the confidence that their loved ones will continue to receive proper care and support even as they grow into adulthood. This long-term commitment ensures peace of mind for the families involved.
  • Planning for the Future: The mission acknowledges the reality that parents or guardians of special needs adults may not always be able to provide care. It underscores the importance of establishing a long-term plan, ensuring that these individuals have a stable and caring environment even when their primary caregivers are no longer able to provide care.

Overall, the mission of A Home of My Own aims to provide a holistic solution to the needs of families with special needs adults. It prioritizes the well-being and quality of life of these individuals and offers support to their families to navigate the challenges associated with caregiving, both in the present and in the future.

Benefit From our Expertise

A Home of My Own recognizes the unique experience of every adult child seeking refuge in these homes. Some may be capable of independent living for short durations, while others, like Ryan, require continuous care. Varied physical and developmental challenges abound, yet A Home of My Own is adept at creating harmonious homes by thoughtfully pairing residents with shared needs and interests.

Our mission extends beyond providing physical accommodations. We stand committed to empowering families to navigate the complexities of creating supportive homes, ensuring that each resident not only finds shelter but experiences the warmth, care, and understanding that make a house a home. Join us in our journey to redefine what it means to your loved one to have A Home of My Own.

 

Being disabled should not mean being disqualified from having access to every aspect of life.

Emma Thompson

Aides and residents alike appreciate being active and engaged in the community!