09/7/16
Randolph, Mass. — May Institute is proud to announce its Shared Living Program, a new housing option that matches adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, or acquired brain injury with host families who are willing to share their homes with individuals who have special needs. This program creates opportunities for these men and women to live rich and meaningful lives as contributing members of their communities.
Program coordinators are now recruiting families, couples, and individuals to open their homes and hearts to an adult with different abilities. In exchange for providing housing and allowing him or her to become part of the family, caregivers will receive a generous tax-free stipend, training, respite, and on-call support.
May Institute’s Shared Living Program is funded through Massachusetts Department of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS).
“Shared living is an important addition to our continuum of services,” says Ralph B. Sperry, Ph.D., ABPP, Chief Operating Officer of May Institute. “In shared living, adults can often live more independently than they thought was possible. We are pleased to offer these opportunities to both the individuals served and the host families who will benefit in countless ways.”
Potential host families undergo a comprehensive assessment and evaluation prior to becoming qualified by May Institute to be a shared living provider. Before a placement is finalized, staff will determine the amount of support an individual needs and make arrangements for additional supports and services in the host home. Caregivers will receive training in human rights, fire safety, basic behavior concepts, and health and wellness.
“Host families receive the backing and support of our program staff, case management, program oversight by doctoral-level clinicians, and a robust on-call system,” said Keith Duclos, M.M.H.S., May Institute’s Director of Adult Shared Living. “Our vision for the program is that, with ongoing support, the household becomes a family – one in which all members are integral to its wellbeing.”
Mr. Duclos has been a shared living provider since 1994. While in graduate school, he responded to an advertisement to live with a gentleman with intellectual disabilities. Twenty-two years, three homes, and two children later Mr. Duclos, his wife, and the individual are still living under one roof and sharing their lives. “With patience, warmth, and understanding on everyone’s part, a special bond is formed and a non-traditional family is created,” he said.
Free public information sessions about May Institute’s Shared Living Program will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Boston Public Library in Hyde Park on Monday, September 26, and at the Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25. [Register here.]
For more information, visit mayinstitute.org/sharedliving.
About May Institute
May Institute is an award-winning nonprofit organization with more than 60 years of experience in serving children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, and behavioral health needs. The organization provides educational, habilitative, and behavioral healthcare services to individuals and families, as well as training and consultation services to professionals, organizations, and public school systems. At more than 140 service locations across the country, highly trained and empathic staff work to create new and more effective ways to meet the special needs of individuals and families across the lifespan. In addition to its new Shared Living Program, May’s adult services include residential group homes and supported living apartments as well as day programs, vocational training, and supported employment. For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org.
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