Opportunity Homes, Inc.
|
|
|
|
The following is an autobiography written by Shirley Headington, a woman who received services through Opportunity Homes, Inc. June 1990 until her death in December 2001. I will never forget June 5th, 1990 when I was so happy because I was getting ready to move out of the Oneota Riverview Care Facility and I had been there for about 28 years. I was going to move into town to the Ohio group home in Decorah, over on the West side. It sure felt good to move into town because I would have more chances of getting around and doing a lot of activities. It was August 30th, 1990, I moved to the Donlon House group home near the Decorah High School. Then I started learning how to cook and would go over to the supervised apartments with the activity director and make supper for the both of us. It was October 1, 1992, I was so happy. Tears begin to fill my eyes because I was going to move over to the supervised apartments and live in an apartment with a roommate and be on my own. I would be able to go downtown for my shopping of groceries and other errands I would have to take care of and then go to the movies. I was right close to Spectrum Industries, where I work so just would walk down the alley. When I first came to the apartments, the lady house-parent from Donlon House group home, she brought me a cup with a balloon tied on and then she also took grape juice and then all the staff members here at the apartments, we all had a toast, now that I have moved into the apartments. In town, I feel like I can move around more and don't feel so cramped up like I was at Oneota Riverview Care Facility. I have met lots of new friends. I go to work at Spectrum Industries every Monday to Friday. I always like having a change of getting together with my friends and having a good time. The following was written by family members of a lady currently receiving services from Opportunity Homes, Inc.: In the late 1970's, Pastor Paul Hasvold, who was at time Present of the Arc of Winneshiek County, surveyed the membership and determined that there was a need for group homes in the county. We were immediately interested because our daughter, Gayle, was finishing up her educational experience. We both have served on the board of Opportunity Homes, succeeding each other. Gayle was one of the original occupants of the first group home in Decorah - Schell House. There she was able to live with her peers and develop independent skills. Because Gayle has a number of medical problems, we are appreciative of the staff monitoring her health. Living in Decorah has enabled her to participate in church and recreational activities. Decorah has been a welcoming community. In June 2003, we purchased a house for Gayle and she lives there with three housemates. Opportunity Homes, Inc. staffs the home twenty-four hours a day. Here she has more freedom. With staff help, she does her own grocery shopping and cooks for herself. She goes out to have a pop with friends. And she shares her cat "Angel" with staff and housemates. We are very appreciative that Opportunity Homes, Inc. and the Decorah community have enriched her life. |
|
|
![[Under Construction]](images/undercon.gif)
