A First Time to Celebrate Life
At the age of nine, Ma
ggie had been admitted to a state facility due to mental retardation. For almost 49 years she lived in an institution where everything was done for her. She could not do many of the everyday things we all take for granted. Then her life abruptly changed when she was “de-institutionalized” and recommended for transfer to a community-based residential facility.
Her family was deeply concerned about her welfare. On the one hand, they were thrilled that she would have new opportunities. But on the other, they were concerned that she might not be able to adapt to new surroundings since she had never lived anywhere else. They were determined to find a home for her where she would be happy and her special needs would be met. That place turned out to be the Volunteers of America Edwards House, a cozy group home in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
With the patient care and support of the staff, Maggie easily made the transition into the group home she would share with five other developmentally disabled adults. She soon fit right in, learning personal skills such as how to dress and care for herself, sharing responsibilities at the house and living like a real family. Her family had never dreamed such progress would be possible. With the compassionate help of Volunteers of America, disabled men and women like Maggie are given the gift of an opportunity to live their lives to their fullest ability.
