Dick, Sharon, and Kim were the first family to move into their home at Edwards Place in December 2015. Dick always said it was the best Christmas ever. Not only were they living in a beautiful home completely accessible, but also they were part of the community center which anchors the Edwards community. Today Kim works on a job supported by Edwards Center Job Coaching staff, enjoys bowling, games nights, and other community outings with the team. "It's more than I ever hoped for," Sharon says. Residents living at Edwards Place have a great sense of community. They enjoy volunteering at the community center, sharing game nights with other families, and supporting each other when difficulties arise.
Edwards Place families enjoy the freedom that can only be experienced in a tight community. Most families report that it is the first time their child has been totally accepted by neighbors, and they have been free to go back and forth in the neighborhood safely. Sharon had a hard time letting Kim walk to community center classes the first few weeks, but once Kim began going on her own, Sharon felt great pride. Today, Kim walks freely to the center, the mailboxes, and the recycle center in addition to neighbors' homes.
Sadly, Sharon's husband Dick fell ill and died in April 2020. Sharon says being at Edwards Place softened that loss because other Edward's families understood her loss and her daughter's grief and were there to support her and Kim. She says she does not feel alone.
Edwards Place is just one of the residential options that Edwards Center provides.
