FRC Group Homes Create Enduring Friendships

In the beginning, they didn’t know each other. Anxiety abounded as they considered moving out of their familiar surroundings into a group home. What if they didn’t like each other?  What if they didn’t like the same TV shows, but had only one TV in the house?  What if they couldn’t get along?

Fortunately, Holly and Caiti needn’t have worried.  Along with two other young ladies who live together in a group home supervised by Family Resource Center’s trained providers, they have become friends as well as housemates. Unlikely comrades because of their different upbringings and circumstances, they all have one important similarity. They each have a disability, but that has never been the focus of their friendship.

On a daily basis, these four companions like to shop, cook, and plan activities together. They talk about their jobs.  They talk about boys, and they talk about movies.  They chat about everyday life, and their common hopes and dreams.  Above all, they spend a lot of time laughing together.

Asked how they feel about living under the same roof, Beth answers,“It’s a joy. I’m really happy where I am for now, but I do have a goal to someday be out on my own.”  Caiti adds, “I want to get married and have children someday, too.  We talk a lot about these things and how life will be when we get out on our own.”

Each day, these young women are encouraged by their caregivers to work hard to attain their goals. In this home, as in each of its other 18 group homes, FRC’s providers are trained to help every client also understand that living in a group home means they are required to be considerate of others and respectful of the rules. In exchange, FRC’s staff helps them recognize that living in a shared home is not a final chapter where someone “put” them, but rather, a new chapter where they can function to the best of their abilities and work towards their personal goals, with the help of trained staff who are aware of each individual’s circumstances. For these four young ladies, camaraderie abounds as they share meals, talk about events of the day, and plan for tomorrow. After all, life holds many promises, and they will explore each one …together.