Our granddaughter, Anna, has brought incredible joy to our entire extended family. She is an outgoing young woman with a wonderful sense of humor, a generous spirit, and a genuine concern for others. She is remarkably determined and works hard at physical therapy each day to strengthen her abilities and increase her independence. She is kind, thoughtful, and always eager to help others.

 

Many of Anna’s friends are now moving into new opportunities and experiences as young adults. For Anna, the opportunity to live at Vanguard Landing represents an exciting and meaningful step into adulthood. As a person with special needs, many of her friends depend on a Medicaid waiver to receive the support they need. Including individuals who rely on these waivers is essential to creating a truly inclusive community. Excluding them would deny these young adults an opportunity to participate in a community designed to help them thrive.

 

It is especially concerning that those individuals who criticize Vanguard Landing for being “exclusive” are the same people who want to limit participation by individuals who depend on Medicaid waivers. True inclusion means welcoming people with different abilities and financial circumstances and finding ways to ensure they can be part of the community.

Living at Vanguard Landing will provide Anna and the other residents with opportunities to grow physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually as young adults. It will give them a greater sense of independence while surrounding them with the support, friendships, and encouragement they need to thrive.

 

We look forward to seeing Vanguard Landing continue to be the kind of community where individuals who need some assistance can find not simply a place to live, but a true home—a place where they can build friendships, develop greater independence, contribute to their community, and continue to grow, regardless of their financial circumstances.