Wednesday February 22, 2012

History and Timeline

The history of Noah is more than land and buildings. It is all about the men and women who live here, and others who come to work here, and the wonders that occur in the mix. The environment of hope and beauty, of love and caring that envelops Noah is the medium for growth in self-esteem, confidence and competence.

Though developmental disability is the thread common to all the folks who live at Noah, the reality is that once a person arrives, the diagnosis quickly fades into the background. Freed from the label some very interesting people come into view.

The history of Noah Homes has included celebrating graduations from school, cashing first paychecks and shopping for a formal dress or tux for the Harvest Ball. It has called for supporting those whose parents have died and seeking solace when one of “the folks” dies. It has included walking with several of our friends into the darkness of Alzheimer disease. It has been moments of exhilaration, as well as profound sadness. It is all part of life and the wonder of being human. It is all an expression of love.

In 1979 a group of Catholic parents met to brainstorm areas of concern for their daughters and sons with disabilities. The secret dream of each of the parents was that a faith-based group home could become a reality. After much persistence and hard work the parents, community, and Sister Kathryn Jennings managed to incorporate a Catholic facility and enter escrow on a property.

In 1982, with the help of Walter Fitch III, Noah Homes, Inc. purchased 8 acres in Spring Valley and in 1983 opened Casa de Felicidad with six residents and four people on staff. Since then it has added 3 more acres and 59 more residents. Through fundraising and private donations Noah Homes has remodeled, expanded, and become a successful environment promoting a place of refuge, safety, and acceptance exactly like Noah’s ark.