In a quiet New Hampshire town, a household thrives on community, support, and mutual respect. At the heart of it all is Melissa, a dedicated shared living provider who has spent the past five years opening her home to adults with disabilities.
Melissa began her shared living journey in early 2020, just before the pandemic. Before that, she worked for several service agencies supporting individuals with disabilities. As a direct support professional, she provided one-on-one support and later transitioned to a residential manager role, where she guided others in delivering services.
This experience inspired her to become a home care provider, making her transition to shared living seamless. “For me, it was a natural progression,” she said. “I love having people in the house and just doing different activities with everybody.”
Through Easterseals New Hampshire’s Shared Living Residential Services, Melissa has transformed her home into a haven for those in need of one. She purchased a new house with the specific intention of creating a space where adults with disabilities could thrive—like a foster family, but for adults. Her own family has played a key role in the transition, helping with the daily needs of their new housemates.
For Melissa, it isn’t just about providing a place to live—it’s also about fostering a community. “Everybody works together toward a shared goal,” she said.
The rhythm of their days is filled with activity and purpose. Whether participating in Special Olympics events, volunteering at local organizations, or going to the movies, there’s always something going on. Melissa ensures everyone stays busy, creating opportunities for each individual to grow, make friends, and pursue their unique interests.
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. Respite care also offers a welcome break, giving Melissa time to recharge while her housemates remain in trusted hands.
Over the years, Melissa has watched the individuals in her care grow in confidence, skills, and independence. For some, like Marquis, that growth is reflected in her involvement with theater, volunteering at a thrift store, or holding a job at Goodwill. Others, like Sue, express themselves in different ways—filling notebooks with creative poetry, cheering on her housemates at sporting events, or simply enjoying the quiet company of Melissa’s pets.
Each individual is unique, with different needs and desires, and Melissa embraces these differences. She has learned to be flexible, patient, and a strong advocate for her individuals, ensuring they receive the services they need while creating a space where they feel truly at home.
As she reflects on her experiences, Melissa is more certain than ever that this is a path she would have chosen sooner if she had known it was an option. “Seeing my individuals grow and feeling supported and loved is the most rewarding thing,” she said. “I really feel like this is where I was meant to be.”
Learn more about Easterseals NH’s Shared Living Residential Services by visiting eastersealsnh.org/programs/community-based-services/residential-services or by sending an email to [email protected].