Madbury resident’s story shows how opening your home to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can change lives
Madbury, NH, October 30, 2025 – As organizations across the country mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Easterseals NH is highlighting another meaningful way to support inclusion.
A leading area agency in social services, Easterseals NH is seeking new Shared Living providers on the Seacoast to open their homes to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them build independence and connection in their communities. This foster care-style model provides stability, well-being, and fulfillment for the individuals it supports.
Melissa, of Madbury, has been a Shared Living provider with Easterseals NH for nearly six years. Before opening her home, she worked as a direct support professional, providing one-on-one care to individuals with disabilities. Those experiences, she said, inspired her to take the next step and become a home care provider herself.
The rhythm of their days is filled with activity and purpose. Whether participating in Special Olympics events, volunteering locally, or catching a movie, there’s always something going on. Melissa makes sure everyone stays engaged, creating opportunities for growth.
Support from Easterseals NH is crucial to making it all work. A community living manager visits twice a month to ensure everything runs smoothly. Day services and volunteer opportunities keep Melissa’s individuals active and connected, while respite care offers her valuable time to recharge, knowing her housemates remain in trusted hands.
“Providers are never left on their own to figure things out,” said Susan Silsby, Executive Vice President of Programs for Easterseals NH. “We’re with them every step of the way, offering guidance, answering questions, and making sure they have access to the resources they need. Shared Living is a true partnership between Easterseals NH and the provider. Strengthening that partnership is what makes the model so successful.”
Easterseals NH works closely with potential providers to identify appropriate matches that achieve and ensure permanency. Each home care provider is compensated with a daily rate for their services and 30 days of respite leave per year.
For more details on these services or to inquire about becoming a Shared Living provider, visit eastersealsnh.org/shared-living or send an email to [email protected].
About Easterseals New Hampshire
Since 1936, Easterseals New Hampshire has provided exceptional services to ensure that all people with varied abilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. A leader in social services for individuals with disabilities and those underserved by traditional programs, Easterseals NH provides essential services and supports to approximately 17,000 children, adults, seniors, and Veterans annually. Their programs cover areas like early intervention, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, adult day and in-home care, behavioral health, housing, and substance use disorders. Easterseals NH is a community of care for all ages, for all abilities, for life.
For more information, visit eastersealsnh.org or follow them @EastersealsNH on Facebook.
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