NH Gives

A group of families and community members including individuals from Pathways and Special Needs Support Center started Visions for Creative Housing Solutions in 2004. We met for 2 years exploring models that serve individuals with special needs with residential supports in Northern New England. We started the process of filing for 501c3, but put our project on hold as family’s lives became too busy.

In 2011 I was diagnosed with a large brain tumor, non-invasive. It was removed at DHMC and became infected, two months later I was rushed for emergency surgery and the infection along with a large piece of my skull was removed. This was a large wake up call for me.

I have two daughters with special needs, one with Down syndrome, one with PDD/Autism, non-verbal, with chronic health issues. Who would take care of them if I were no longer there? I do not have any other children who could step in. I wanted to be proactive.

We live on the property where I was born and my parents, who were German immigrants, ran a summer resort for over 50 years. I grew up enjoying the property, located in Enfield, and learned to cook, and serve the guests, who called Kluges on Sunset Hill, their summer home.

I gathered together interested families; community members and we reactivated Visions in 2010. In the fall of 2014 we received our 501c3 and started to operate Visions. In October, Kim moved in to the farmhouse after extensive renovations to make the house accessible for her.

I am committed to help make Visions a family centered and a community partner in providing residential support for adults with special needs. The residents who live at Sunrise Farm feel like family, they enjoy, and support one another. I know that even if I am no longer here to care for my daughters and the other residents who live at Sunrise Farm, they will become family and will fill the void with love and respect for one another. I have watched all the residents who live here grow, become more independent, support one another, and flourish.

We are now a state vendor through our area agency, Pathways of the River Valley, we have put together the structure needed, providing quality control and safe guards that will ensure that Visions will serve individuals for years to come.

Today we have 8 residents with varying abilities and needs. We also provide respite care for 5 individuals who live at home with their families, giving them a fun social opportunities and much needed respite for their families.

Vision’s provides overnight support, nursing overview, employment support (all of our residents have paid employment), support mentors to provide individual supports, and a house manager. We also engage the community utilizing volunteers and supporting community projects, such as Hometown for the Holidays.

We are asking for financial assistance to renovate an existing house on the property for two additional residents who would benefit from living at Visions. We will update the bathrooms, add laundry room and make a space for live-in support staff.

We hope that you can assist us!