A little History...continued

In the spring of 1990, at the request of the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the agency was asked to support a young man for a three week period. No other agency would welcome him. Brad tried hard to "fit in" wherever he was, but he knew no boundaries. It was a trying time for his entire support team. He was employed at a sheltered workshop as the team endlessly searched to secure a residential placement. Failure was not an option. The team was determined to see his challenges as opportunities.

Supporting People...

In October, 1990 Brad and his family met with his support team to discuss his hopes and dreams for a meaningful and fulfilling life. Rather than "fitting into" an existing group home, the team identified what supports Brad needed to achieve his dreams and live a happy, significant and safe life. This was the beginning of Willows Way and "Supported Living" - building the supports around a person to successfully live in the community of his/her choice. In March, 1991, Brad moved into a ranch home in St. Charles, Mo. He lived with two roommates of his choosing and was part of the interview process to hire his staff. He and his roommates determined the lifestyle they wanted to live.