Fabric of the Community / Glennwood House
UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS
Gaining Independence
LOCAL NONPROFIT GLENNWOOD HOUSING FOUNDATION SETS UP RESIDENTS FOR SUCCESS WITH ITS COMMUNAL HOME IN TOWN .
By TANYA A . YACINA
I nspired by the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing for those with special needs in Orange County , Glennwood Housing Foundation started in 2009 with the goal of providing safe , inclusive , reasonably-priced homes for those with developmental disabilities . Founder Randy Larson , who has a special needs child of his own , wanted developmentally challenged individuals to have equal opportunities for a dignified , fulfilled life .
Ten years ago , the organization opened Glennwood House of Laguna Beach and is marking the milestone this year with various events for the residents , their family members and the local community . Glennwood will also hold a 10-year anniversary gala , with a “ Casino Royale ” theme , on Oct . 21 at the Festival of Arts grounds , with hundreds of guests and sponsors expected to be on-site to celebrate the residents and their accomplishments .
“ The benefit of living at Glennwood is to live in a safe environment and to have access to the supports necessary to reach the goal of independence ,” says Faith Manners , CEO of Glennwood House of Laguna Beach . “ This looks different to each individual , and every individual has the right to seek a lifestyle … [ that ensures ] equity and inclusion in the community . The alternative is to remain living with family , to live in a smaller group home environment , or rent an apartment or room .”
Manners says the 46 residents who live at Glennwood House each have their own reasons for seeking an independent life . Many desire to live outside of their family home to pursue their own goals and explore their own interests , just like their
Glennwood House offers apartments and services for those with developmental disabilities .
friends and family members . Each resident has his or her own apartment in which to maintain their individual lifestyles , but Glennwood provides staffing support 24 hours per day , offering aid with meals , daily activities , transportation , medical appointments , social engagement opportunities and recreation in the community as well as helping those with an interest in employment , education or volunteerism . “ The city of Laguna Beach has welcomed Glennwood House from the first day we opened in August 2013 ,” says Janet Parsons , the foundation ’ s director of development and housing , “ and we are very excited to be part of this diverse and vibrant community , as our residents are very diverse and it really is a microcosm of the larger community .”
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