A Legacy of Lifesharing

Lifesharing is a beautiful experience for those that are willing to jump in. Hear from a family that passed down their openness of heart and home to create a legacy of Lifesharing.

Joan 

For over two decades, Joan dedicated herself to her job as a cook at a private club, where she prepared meals for hundreds each night. It was a role she cherished, until change swept in, and new management brought an end to her tenure.

Amidst uncertainty, her friend Sharon offered her a new opportunity at Valley South Park Group Home. Initially hesitant at the prospect of a career change, Sharon’s persuasive words and consistent support convinced Joan to take a leap of faith into the world of caregiving, despite her lack of experience.

With her husband supporting their four children at home, Joan worked night shifts at the group home. Her children adapted to the new routine, and she felt a balance in schedule to both accommodate her job and her home life.

Tragedy struck when Joan’s daughter unexpectedly passed away. In the midst of grief and sorrow, Joan took some time off from work. Later, she and her husband were approached with an opportunity to become Lifesharing providers, a role that would shape their lives for years to come.

With her son in the Air Force and the rest of their kids off to college, Joan and her husband opened their home to Jimmy.  Jimmy ended up staying in their home for 23 years. After Jimmy, they opened their home to Kevin and Kyle, who settled in and were soon treated as family.

Joan’s home became a safe haven of love and acceptance. It was not just a place of care, but family. Joan’s journey in Lifesharing continues to this day, offering her a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and the freedom to live life on her own terms because of the nature of this service.

Joan reflects on her Lifesharing journey with gratitude. For her, Lifesharing wasn’t a job, it was a calling to transform lives. Her legacy extends far beyond her own lifetime, it has passed down from one generation to the next.

Melanie 

Melanie’s journey into Lifesharing is as deeply rooted in empathy and commitment as her mother, Joan. From a young age, she was exposed to the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly through an autistic family member, as well as seeing her mother provide Lifesharing. This early exposure instilled in her a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Melanie’s path into Lifesharing began at the age of 18 when she started working in group homes. Her experiences there shaped her perspective and strengthened her resolve to create a more inclusive and nurturing environment for those she cared for. She didn’t just want to provide care; she wanted to offer a true family setting where individuals with disabilities could thrive.

With a heart set on “saving the world”, Melanie embarked on her Lifesharing journey, choosing to welcome individuals into her home and embracing them as her own. Her commitment to providing a familial atmosphere, complete with allowing individuals to have their own rooms, hobbies, interests, pursuits, and routines reflects her value of respect for autonomy and dignity.

Melanie’s dedication to her “guys” is shown in her thoughtful approach to their individual needs. Whether it’s Ted, who prefers solitude and routine, or David, who thrives on warmth and interaction, Melanie ensures that everyone is included, and loves how Lifesharing has brought them closer together as a whole.

Does Joan and Melanie’s story resonate with you? Learn more about Lifesharing!