A new chapter for Friends Life Community

 

As the construction beside Friends Life Community unfolds and builds, so does the curiosity around the bigger picture. We appreciate everyone’s patience and enthusiasm as we break ground on some big dreams.

 

We are proud to share that Friends Life Community is creating an Independent Living Transition Program to help open more possibilities for the Friends and their families.

 

The program will include two components – a housing partnership pilot and a family transition support cohort designed to help families navigate the emotional and logistical complexities of independent living. We aim to launch both programs in 2027.

 

Housing Partnership Pilot

We have partnered with Trent Development Group and our landowners to develop housing for the purpose of leasing to the Friends for independent living alongside graduate students who will live in community with those Friends. Trent Development Group will lease and manage the homes and will partner with FLC to coach the graduate students on living life with the Friends, not as caregivers, as true neighbors and housemates. Friends will live independently in the homes with options to work with other service providers as needed and will attend FLC during the week.

 

The first house of what we are calling “The Cottages” is expected to be complete in the Spring of 2027. With our pilot model, this means two Friends and two graduate students will live in the first house.

 

Family Transition Support Cohorts

FLC is creating a cohort model that focuses on direct caregivers to provide support in navigating this emotionally and logistically complex transition.

 

The comments we hear most often are that family members feel so alone in making decisions, preparing and handling the challenges that come up. FLC has learned that it is impossible to guarantee a fix to all challenges, to eliminate all risks, or to promise constant smooth sailing. However, we have also learned that we can build community and support each other so no one has to navigate those situations alone.

 

If you are a family member and currently navigating independent living for your loved one or getting in the mindset of preparing for a transition and would like more information about the cohort, please email us at hello@friendslife.org.

 

If you are interested in supporting this new program financially, you can give here.