Where we live is part of the human experience.
Where do you live?
A five year old would respond, “I live with my mommy and daddy in our house.”
A nineteen year old might answer, “I have a job and live in my own apartment.”
Another nineteen year old would answer, “I am in college. I live in the dorm.”
Where we live is a part of the human experience. Generally, most of us live with our parents until we move to a job, go to college, or establish our own family. We really do not spend a lot of time thinking about it. It just happens.
For adults with developmental disabilities, the process just does not happen. A family member or a social worker will help them find a place to live. Special housing arrangements are available through private and public organizations.
The current procedure is to provide independent living in the community. In recent years, group homes have shrunk in size from twenty to four people; nursing homes are not considered appropriate placements unless there is a health problem; and large institutions are being closed. The guiding philosophy is to place the person in the community and provide the support to make him successful. Through special funding programs, some people with developmental disabilities own their own condos.
While the current approach to housing for adults with developmental disabilities has improved, most of them continue to live with their families after public education has ended. There are several reasons this may occur: the cost for residential services can be prohibitive, there may be long waiting lists, the person may not meet entrance criteria, or a family may want to care for their loved one at home as long as they can.
To help families with their need for residential care for their son or daughter, CCFH Ministries provides two kinds of programs: group home living and independent living.
Group Home Living
CCFH Ministries operates two group homes in Louisville, Tennessee. Called Riverwood Christian Community, the facilities are located in a rural setting on the banks of the Tennessee River and have been licensed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.
In order to live at Riverwood, the person must be over 18 years of age and have a developmental disability. In addition, the applicant must be capable of self-preservation, meeting basic personal needs, and working or attending a day program.
Each resident has a private room, has a job, helps with household chores, and attends church. The resident is encouraged to be the best he can be.
A trained, Christian staff is on duty around the clock to care for the residents. The staff carries out our purpose to help residents achieve their highest level of independence in a Christ-centered environment. To apply or ask for additional information, click here.
Independent Living Program
CCFH Ministries also provides an Independent Living Program. This program allows the person with a developmental disability to live and function in the community. They are trained to use public transportation, assisted with making their own appointments, provided with money management assistance, taught cooking and nutritional eating habits, and encouraged to participate in the life of a church and the community at large.
A staff member is available to the residents. While the staff has a routine of seeing the residents’ needs are met, the staffing pattern is on an “as-needed” basis.
In order to qualify for the program, the person must be 18 or over and have a developmental disability. In addition, the applicant must be able to self-preserve, self-medicate, and hold a job. To apply or get additional information, click here.