ISLAND FALLS, Maine — Green Valley Association, located in northern Penobscot and southern Aroostook counties, is a not-for-profit organization that assists people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities in living fulfilling, meaningful, and successful lives by offering them the support necessary to live, work, and recreate as a valued member of their community.
GVA was recently approved by the state to offer shared living administration services. This approval will allow GVA to help answer questions to candidates thinking about sharing their home, help offer insight into what entails being a shared living provider and help in the matching process between the shared living provider and the individual to ensure foster placement stability.
Training and ongoing support would also be a part of these services.
“For many years, shared living establishments have gone by the names of ‘adult foster care’ or ‘host homes,” said Jeff Hamm, executive director for GVA. “At the most basic level, a community member shares his or her home or apartment and provides support for an adult with an intellectual disability or autism. In return for their services, shared living providers receive a generous tax-free stipend and additional payment for room and board.”
Additionally, shared living offers people with intellectual disabilities or autism the opportunities to develop strong, supportive, often roommate or family-like relationships with their shared living provider. It helps them be connected to and embraced by the community and they get to experience greater levels of independence.
“Being a shared living provider is very rewarding and is very important as it provides a meaningful and connected life to someone in need,” Hamm said.
Anyone interested in learning more about sharing their home and helping an adult with a developmental disability or autism, please contact Paula Stevens at 207-463-2156 ext 101
