Imagine for a moment your children as grown adults.  Do you picture them connecting with their siblings? Being free to live where they choose? Driving themselves to work and activities? Cooking their own meals, navigating medical care, and engaging in physical activities to be fit and healthy? Having friends and a busy social life? Most of us, of course, would respond with a resounding, “YES!”

 

And while most parents take it for granted that their children will live happy, independent lives, some parents like me--with a child or children who have intellectual or developmental disabilities--live with the fear of what will happen to our children after we’re gone. It is that thought that keeps us awake at night, praying to live forever!

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If something were to happen to me—a solo parent after the recent loss of my beloved husband-- three of our adult children would be in immediate need of housing, each requiring varying levels of support. The heartbreaking truth is that Ottawa County CMH, the agency in charge of procuring housing for them, would likely end up having to place them out-of-state, away from each other and extended family, away from their circle of support and everything in life they have ever known.

 

Envisioning the incredible trauma my children would endure--being unable to understand what was happening to them and unable to communicate in their grief--inspired me to think outside the box, to challenge the way things have always been done, and to find a way to prevent this trauma from happening to them and to other families like ours. So, with a prayer and a dose of courage, Be BOLD was born.

 

Be BOLD was created to establish and maintain a safe, supportive, affordable, and inclusive pocket housing community in West Michigan. Uniquely, Be BOLD will accommodate those who require varying levels of living supports and will provide social support and opportunities to all its residents. Additionally, Be Bold will serve under-resourced families through our partnership with Love Your Neighbor, and other local support organizations. 

 

While there are other reputable housing sources in West Michigan, they are at capacity and waitlists are futile as openings rarely occur even for those in dire need. With demand continuing to grow and already far exceeding availability, Ottawa County considers this situation to be an immediate crisis. Be BOLD will help answer this crucial need.

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Be BOLD will also give the parents and family members of our residents' peace of mind in being able to help their beloved son or daughter transition to a safe, supportive, inclusive living community well-before a crisis situation occurs. 

 

Our unique pocket community will provide affordable housing and social emotional connections for ALL our Be BOLD residents. We value your support in helping us take Be Bold from a vision to a reality!