CummingHome

When Marty and Randy Owens were given the idea for a home for handicapped young adults almost two years ago, they had no idea to what extent this conception would take them and the ones who eventually became involved with the project.  As Randy stated, “When Our Neighbor took shape in our hearts, we planned on one house.”  It didn’t take long for mother and son to discover the deep desire of so many families to find a place such as Randy’s House for their own children.  For these homes are a double blessing – not only do they give the residents independence, but their families can have peace in their hearts knowing their adult children will have more meaningful lives

Our goal is to have a community where people do not notice a person’s disability but embrace a person for who they are.  We know losing a part of our physical body does not change who we are, except maybe to give us a bigger heart.  Also, we wish to duplicate what we are doing in each community in the state, so that people who have disabilities can live wherever they would like – near family and friends or in an entirely new community.

Unfortunately, Georgia ranks 49th in the United States in taking care of the disabled.  But to look at it in another perspective, perhaps it is the job of the community to take care of its own.  We should be helping “our neighbor.”

We have many areas and avenues of accomplishment we wish to attain in order to reach our goals.  First and foremost is renovating homes within our community to be handicapped accessible, safe, affordable, and pleasant for its residents. 

The first, of course, was Randy’s House on Prior Street near Brenau University.  This area is perfect in that it is close to downtown Gainesville and on the bus line which can take the residents to most places they would need to go.  We were very fortunate to have Nancy Jarrard at the helm of the renovation.  She was on site nearly every day for almost a year as this older and somewhat run-down home took shape and became what it is today.  She was tenacious in seeing that the job was done correctly.  Her husband, the late Tom Jarrard, assisted in many legal areas and gave wise advice until his illness took his life.  The Board of Directors also gave of themselves unselfishly and with much heart for the task although most were novices in the arena of helping the handicapped in this way.
 
Not all residents can afford to be in a home such as Randy’s House.  One of our residents was essentially abandoned to a nursing home after an accident at age 16 left him with many disabilities.  His life has taken on new meaning since he has been afforded the new-found freedom of living at Randy’s House.  However, monthly financial support is needed for him and others like him.  Another of our goals is to build a sustaining fund for these residents.

We also have plans and a building in which to open a day facility where the handicapped will be able to learn skills that will help them in seeking employment.  Also, they will actually be producing items to sell.  There will be several unique shops within this facility including a used book store, an art studio, a frame shop, and other places of interest.  The young adults will be able to learn fun things, meet new people, learn social skills, etc. We want to create a non-profit business with local appeal.  It will be a place where young adults with disabilities can be employed to give back to the community, sharing the gifts they have been given.  In so doing we know others will see their unique talents and want to employ them or allow them to volunteer.

Independence was the goal, and since opening the first home Randy has “graduated” from Randy’s House!  Randy’s words:  “. . . we have been seeing God moving us to the unexpected.  First, we had the situation in that now there were five people waiting for a room.  Then as I talked to a friend, he said he needed to move out on his own and thought we could share an apartment.”  And he did just that!  We are so happy for him.  When these two made the decision to move into an apartment, Marty and Randy started the task of finding a handicapped accessible apartment.  They were stunned to find that there are none in Gainesville!  Even though some are touted to be just that, they came very short of meeting the needs of the handicapped.  Their plight started our brains toward another goal – certifiable handicapped accessible apartment buildings!  Now we have opened Terrie’s House, a two-apartment, two-bedroom each, completely accessible home!

These are just some of the ideas that we have begun to explore.  There are so many other ways in which to meet the needs of the handicapped if only the resources were available.  Therefore, we are reaching out to the community and seeking the necessary funds to meet all our goals.  We have been blessed that people are beginning to get on board with our thinking in that we have a group of beautiful, warm people who need our help in living fulfilling lives.

Mission Statement:  Seeking to inspire those who are challenged with disabilities to grow toward their greatest potential and maximum independence.  By eliminating the physical and attitude barriers in our community, we will give them the same choices as those who have no visible disabilities.

Please see our website:  www.ourneighbor.org