SPRING VALLEY, Calif. — In our Working for our Community series, we're featuring Noah Homes. It opened in 1983 and it's a place off Campo Road, in Spring Valley, for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, such as Down syndrome, Fragile X, Cerebral palsy and Alzheimer's disease. Noah Homes is the first in the country to offer memory care to those with special needs.
"The personalities are huge and we love that," CEO and CDO Molly Nocon said.
Noah Homes is an inviting place, so many call home. "They treat you nice. Everything is going good," Jean Poutous said.
"Our main job is just to make sure the folks we're taking care of are supported, and they can be independent and live phenomenal lives," Nocon added.
For the CEO, it's personal. She started here as a family member. "My brother was known as the Sheriff of Noah."
She said it's rewarding to provide families like hers the support they need for their loved one to thrive. She said Noah Homes has exceptional standards and compassionate care.
"The joy and the security of knowing, in this case, my brother, could live a full and active life. This was his home," Nocon said.
Jean Poutous has lived here for four years. He's one of 90 residents living in their 10 homes. We quickly found out, we have a lot in common.
"I'm a Padres fan," he said. "I like Padres third baseman, Manny Machado." I asked, "What do you think of Tatis?" Poutous said, "I think he's going to have a good year."
Noah Homes is currently getting everything set for one of their biggest fundraisers of the year. The Enchanted Village will be open December 15 through December 22. It's a walk-through holiday event with more than a million lights, live performances and photos with Santa.
"We need 50-60 volunteers a night to keep everyone safe and engaged, so please volunteer, buy tickets and get involved," Nocon said. "Even when it's not Christmas, be here to read, be here to do hair, be here to cook cookies. Our residents are just so proud and want to be involved in the community."
Whether it be your time or a donation, tis the season to give back. The state only covers 67% of their budget.
Watch: Working for Our Community | CBS 8 Special (November 2023)