Lessons from the Journey to a Forever Home

As we continue our journey to find a forever home for our son, Michael, I find myself reflecting on what I’ve learned along the way.

Finding housing is undoubtedly a significant milestone, but other aspects may be just as—if not more—important. Building relationships and maintaining open communication with other families can be invaluable. Sharing information and experiences helps us all make informed

decisions about roommates, direct care providers, and housing arrangements. Engaging with others often reveals what we don’t know and sometimes even challenges what we think we do. Whenever you have an opportunity to connect with others at an event or gathering, take full advantage of it.

I initially thought transitioning to a forever home would be relatively straightforward, but I’ve

come to realize it’s a major adjustment—not just for our loved ones, but for us as parents as well. Even though my son has been living away from home for over four years (five days a week), we are still learning new things about his independence. At the same time, I’m gaining a clearer understanding of what it would be like if he were in his forever home full-time.

If possible, I strongly encourage giving your loved one the opportunity to live independently,

even for a short period. This experience can be incredibly valuable—not only for them as they learn more about themselves, but also for parents as we gain insight into how they navigate life on their own.

Don is a founding member, Secretary, and Trustee of Rochester Housing Solutions