SPRING VALLEY, Calif. — Parents of children with special needs are often challenged with a heart wrenching decision as they grow older. In this Zevely Zone, I reunited with a special friend in Spring Valley. You've heard people say that when you truly love something, sometimes you need to set it free. A mother named Barbie Bates decided it was time to move her adult daughter to a special community where she could live an independent life.
For years now, every time I see Shauna Davis, she greets me like I am family. That is why I had to visit her at new home. "That's my house right there," said Shauna. When Shauna was born, her mother Barbie was just 22-years old and scared out of her mind.
"I didn't know if she was going to make it because she would vomit all of the time," said Barbie. Shauna was diagnosed as an infant with failure to thrive. "I used to have to bring my mom with me so I could understand what the doctors were telling me," said Barbie.
One step at a time, Barbie walked a beautiful path with Shauna; days turned into weeks then years into decades. "My life is not like everyone else's unless you're a parent with a disability of course," said Barbie.
Shauna is 41 years old now. Her father, Jerry Davis, died when she was ten and Barbie now knows Shauna will most likely outlive her. "I don't have any family in California, all of my family is out of state and she's an only child," said Barbie. "She is always going to need someone to care for her."
In February, Barbie and Shauna decided she should move into Noah Homes. "Shauna is such a blessing to Noah Homes," said Kim Keane, Director of Program Development at Noah Homes. Kim told me Shauna will pay nothing for her lifelong stay, which is why their community needs donations and volunteers.
"Anything that you're passionate about, if you have a hobby playing guitar, if you like to read there are folks here at Noah Homes who would like to join you in that activity," said Kim.
"They treat her like family," said Barbie. Shauna picked a princess theme in her room and put her name on the wall. "Good stuff here," said Shauna with a giggle.
She filled her room with princesses and I'm starting to think this may be a fairy tale ending for her. "Yes," said Shauna. Barbie then added, "It's not about me at this point, it's about her and what she needs in her life. This is the greatest gift I could have ever given her was to let her come here to be independent and to grow. It's the best decision I've ever made for her."
Noah Homes is a nonprofit organization committed to helping adults with developmental disabilities maximize their lifelong independence in a community environment. Their 11-acre campus in San Diego County has 10 beautiful homes where 90 adult residents are supported socially, emotionally, and spiritually. If you'd like to learn more about Noah Home, make a donation or volunteer your time, click here.
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