Katie's House...
is much more than just physical living space. It is a true home and safe haven for some remarkable young women. We are pleased to share a story about Katie, who against terrific odds, is living her life her way.
Katie
Evelyn and Conrad adopted Katie as an infant. She was diagnosed with Oral, Facial Digital Syndrome, failure to thrive and not expected to live to reach her first birthday.
Katie's birth parents were young and frightened of her choking episodes and her not being able to eat by mouth, so in her best interest they gave her up for adoption.
Katie would spend the next several years going in and out of the hospital but she proved the doctors wrong as she continued to survive against all odds.
Slowly Katie progressed and at the age of 3 the feeding tube was removed because she now could eat normally. She walked independently when she was 4.
When she was 11 she was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma and needed 7 months of intense chemo therapy. Again Katie would prove she was strong by fighting the cancer.
Katie continued to thrive but as her adoptive parents were getting older they realized that Katie would never be able to live on her own. They started to investigate into assisted living facilities and became very depressed to see what life would be for their charming daughter when they were no longer here. The dream of a Home Built On Love became a reality with the help of friends and family.
Katie is now living Her Life, Her Way at Katie's House. She attends the YMCA five mornings a week, taking water aerobics and yoga. In the afternoon, she volunteers at a local thrift store two days a week. Katie also enjoys evening cooking classes, sign language classes and other activities with friends her own age. This is possible with the help of several Personal Assistants who care for her and keep her safe.
Katie is a true survivor in every sense of the word.
Some Food For Thought
Hi, I am Katie. I cannot speak. You may pity me and if you do I will see it in your eyes. You may wonder how much I am aware of what goes on around me. I will see that as well.
I assure you I am very aware when you are happy or sad, fearful, patient or impatient, full of love or if you are just doing what you think is your duty for me.
I marvel at your frustration when you can’t understand me, knowing mine is far greater, for I cannot express myself as you do. I cannot gift you with clever conversation or cute remarks to be laughed over and repeated. I cannot give answers to your everyday questions or comment about the world around us. I try but often cannot give you rewards as defined by the world’s standards. Some people may hope to see great strides in my development that they could take credit, but I cannot promise anyone great strides.
Yet what I promise to give you is so much more valuable. I give you the opportunity to discover the depth of your character. I give you the opportunity to show the depth of your love for humanity. You will find how much patience you have when you are with me and how committed you can be to individuals like me. I will test your abilities and I will drive you further then you ever thought you could go.
So in helping to understand me, I benefit and you will also benefit.
Residential Program
We maintain a residential home in Newton, NJ that can provide a safe place for adult women. Our goal is to allow as much independence and freedom as possible while still providing fulltime oversight.
Our remodeled house has a living room, dining room and kitchen on the first floor and three separate bedrooms on the second floor. Our office occupies the third floor, with laundry, pantry and storage facilities in the basement.
Residents are invited, but not required to help with meal preparation and grocery shopping. Life at Katie’s House is active and full for the residents. We have round the clock staff paid by Real Life Choices and the Personal Preference Program. Days are spent volunteering in the community, attending the nearby County College in a new program of life skills, taking classes that both entertain and educate in our Activity Center and socializing in The Friendship Group. These programs do more than just fill time. We strive continuously to improve their ability to live life to the fullest. We want our young adults to experience life, rather than spend time in a sheltered environment.
House Members Motto: “My Life, My Way.”
|
