Dan and Canes measure their relationship in eras.

Years ago, when Dan lived on the Crotched Mountain campus in Greenfield, Canes worked as one of his Direct Support Professional staff. The two hit it off and created a unique bond. Dan moved in with Canes and his family as an Enhanced Family Care placement, but unforeseen circumstances caused Dan to be moved to a staffed residential program for a period of time.

In fact, when Dan ended up living in the staffed residential program, Canes remained in contact with him, visiting occasionally. This connection would ultimately provide a bedrock for a future shared life: today Dan lives with Canes and his family in their home in Hillsborough.

This shared living program, also known as Enhanced Family Care, connects adults with disabilities with home providers. Enhanced Family Care is unique in that it elevates the client/provider relationship to something that moves beyond a simple job.

The caregiver fully welcomes the individual into their home and their community, and, together, they build a shared life built on trust, independence, and community inclusion. Currently, Crotched Mountain Foundation supports 22 clients and their provider families.

“The Enhanced Family Care model is a wonderful way for adults with disabilities to find success and fulfillment as active participants in their communities,” says Kara Nickulas, Executive Director of Community Services for Crotched Mountain Foundation. “When we’re able to find those successful matches between provider and client, we almost always see two lives changed for the better. It’s a rewarding, effective model of residential support.”

Case in point: matching Dan and Canes was a homerun. Dan moved in with Canes’s family and the results have been a true win/win.

“Dan is an active guy,” says Terry Blaisdell, Adult Services Program Manager for Crotched Mountain Foundation. “He likes getting out and going to festivals, and anything with food is something he loves. He's always looking for activities to do.”

Canes is happy to make these community activities possible for Dan, including trips to local events and gatherings (like the Saint Patrick's Day party, as seen in the photo above). Recently, the two brought back an annual tradition when they traveled to Beantown for the Boston Pop Fireworks Spectacular, the first time they’ve been able to do so in years.

Recently, Dan has taken to gardening, transforming Canes’s front yard into an agricultural menagerie, where he’s successfully grown lettuce, corn, beans, cucumbers, and watermelons.

“Canes has always supported Dan’s interests,” Terry says. “They just picked up right where they left off.”

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To learn more about Enhanced Family Care (and to fill out an application to become a home provider!) please click here.