All About Community Living Coaching

By 7017444915 February 24, 2026
Home looks different for everyone. For Jon, home is now the place he shares with his sister, Shelly. Jon was already living in Shelly’s home when she became one of Hope Haven’s first Host Home providers. What started as a practical next step quickly grew into something far more meaningfu l. As Shelly shared, “Opening our home to Jon was a blessing we didn’t know we needed.” Through Hope Haven’s Host Home program, individuals with disabilities live in the homes of carefully selected providers who offer guidance, companionship, and everyday support. Host Homes are just one of several residential options at Hope Haven, alongside staffed community living homes, because no two individuals require the same level or style of care. What matters most is creating a place where people can live safely, grow their independence, and feel truly included. For Jon, that environment means being part of everyday family life, whether that’s grocery shopping and shared meals or being able to help with Shelly’s in-home daycare. “Living here makes me feel happy,” Jon says. For Shelly’s family, the experience has been transformative. “We’ve all become more patient and understanding,” she shares. “My boys have learned gratitude, acceptance, and what it means to truly welcome someone into your life.” That mutual impact is what makes Host Homes unique. “It doesn’t feel like a job,” Shelly explains. “It’s more of a relationship. You get to help someone feel independent, yet safe.” She was quick to add that the impact goes both ways. As she puts it, “You just might meet your best friend.” Because of supporters like you, individuals like Jon have the opportunity to live in a home where they are supported and valued — not just as clients, but as people. Your generosity makes it possible for Hope Haven to offer a range of residential supports, creating safe, stable, relationship-centered living options for individuals with disabilities right here in our communities. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10 If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today.  Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission.
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Most of us at Hope Haven consider ourselves pretty fortunate to have found our place within this amazing organization. Whether we sought out our positions with purpose found them by happy accident or were pulled in by a higher calling most of us have been blessed with job benefits that have exceeded our expectations. Lori Richardson Certified Community Living Lead Coach made time in her busy day to talk about what it means to work here.

“It is a privilege to support individuals I serve ” said Richardson who has been a Hope Haven employee since 2007. “When I walk into this place I get a warm welcome from our clients. It’s an honor to make a difference in their lives just like they have made a difference in mine.”

When her nephew was born with Down Syndrome Richardson was determined to learn and be the best aunt she could be. She sought out Hope Haven interviewed and was hired. “From that day on   I would receive the knowledge I needed ” she said. “And more heart tugs than I can count.”

Many years later she was approached to become a Lead Coach which she eventually accepted in October 2015. “This job takes loyalty commitment and dependability ” she adds. “It also takes a positive attitude compassion patience and a willingness to learn. Fun and excitement are required. Laughter is necessary. And happiness is a natural byproduct.”

In her ten years with our organization Richardson has learned a few things about herself and the people she serves. “You have to be an active participant. You need to work hard to build the skills that are necessary and then you need to follow through be professional and value the work of the others on your team ” she said. “More than that it’s important to understand our clients and meet them where they are—find their strengths encourage growth in their weaknesses accept their limitations. We all deserve to contribute and participate in our larger community. Some of us just need a little more help.”

Richardson goes on to say that improving the quality of life for others is one of her favorite parts of the job. She also enjoys the flexibility of being able to schedule work around my family and activities.

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