Our Small Beginnings began at 3 pounds and ten weeks premature... what feels like forever ago! We worked hard to get them to twelve pounds at one year old. Can you imagine that? As they began to miss developmental milestones they were diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and developmental delays at around one year due to insufficient oxygen to their brain with their premature births. They started early intervention immediately after discharge from the NICU at 10 weeks, arriving home at a whopping 4.5 pounds. When they were late elementary we reached out for some assistance and so began our journey of adding caregivers after school in our home through Bayada. They mostly enjoyed their school journey in their Life Skills classes and the STARR program. They loved to "pay it forward" with random acts of kindness, adapted ski in upstate New York, run with Ainsley's Angels, participate in Unified Sports, be part of the group in school musicals, participate in their church events, glaze and sell mugs from our own kiln, and even tried out wheelchair hockey. Until everything closed down in March of 2020.

We thought we knew our plan for them at 21, but like everyone else, 2020 had other ideas. We eventually chose to self-direct their days as best we could, using a model allowed by the state after receiving a waiver. We are forever grateful we could submit trusted family and friends for hire while doing our own scheduling and finding activities...not easy during the pandemic. Our first volunteering gig was to deliver Meals on Wheels as there were little opportunities and interactions allowed in early 2020. Their job was to pass the meal forward in the van and say a blessing over the food and for the person receiving it inside the house. Like all of us, Candace and Ciara feel best feeling purpose. In time we eventually fell into a routine of Physical Therapy, Art Therapy, exercise, volunteer work, and pursuing hobbies and interests. They continue to volunteer at thrift shops, food pantries, children's ministry, disability ministry, the MRC, Ram Packs, with visiting older friends sprinkled in.

We recently returned to using the agency model of care. (OneWell Healthcare)

But the journey began with a vision: a place where caregivers don’t just clock in,

but feel valued, knowing they are part of something greater. Seeing the positive impact of your work on others’ lives can be incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that your efforts contribute to someone else's success or happiness provides a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Assisting Candace and Ciara to live healthy lives and feel purpose and receiving purpose in return creates a fulfilling professional journey.

We created this community in hopes that everyday acts of care become powerful transformations

both for Candace and Ciara and for and for the caregivers themselves.