5/3/2012 - West Side Leader
     

To the editor:

In honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month in May, REM Ohio Inc. would like to take this opportunity to increase awareness in our local communities. There are not only children in need of exceptional foster homes, but adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as well.

Across the nation, there are more than 100,000 adults with IDD who are waiting for access to community-based services. For some of these adults, their hope is for a stable, nurturing home environment and quality care to meet their needs.

To provide more options for adults with IDD, REM Ohio offers a Host-Home program that matches adults with dedicated caregivers in the community, whom we fondly refer to as mentors. Our mentors open their personal homes and their hearts to provide assistance and supervision, as well as promoting natural friendships and meaningful relationships.

For the individuals residing with mentors, they often achieve what they need most — a connection to a family, a local community and the services they need to live with independence. Mentors and their extended families gain a new family member, a friend and someone whose personal gifts and charm can add a whole new dimension to their family lives.

In recognition of National Foster Care Month, REM Ohio is proud to recognize all mentors who continue to exhibit outstanding dedication, care and support. Each year, REM Ohio takes extra efforts to celebrate with exceptional families that have stepped up to the challenge.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please visit www.makeadifferenceathome.com or call 888-644-9730 for more information. We are in need of short-term planned or emergency respite family homes in addition to traditional mentor homes in your area. 

Jo Spargo, REM Ohio regional director, and Denise Kollar, REM Ohio area director

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