Katie's House was founded in 2001 by Katie's' parents Evelyn and Conrad Dudziec. After many visits to assisted living facilities and sheltered workshops for adults with disabilities, they decided that was not what they wanted for Katie's' future.
In New Jersey, it is common practice to have young adults placed in homes or sheltered workshops with adults in their 50's or high functioning adults placed with lower functioning adults. This leaves nothing in common for continued growth and happiness. Katie's parents believed that this practice of warehousing the disabled should no longer be tolerated and dreamed of a Home Built On Love and Activity Center where Katie would be with others of the same age and abilities.
After the Incorporation of Katie's House they applied for a non profit 501 C3 status and then started to raise funds to purchase a house.
In 2004, they found a small 3 bedroom home in Newton, NJ and decided it was something they could afford and slowly renovate it to meet the needs of young adult women with developmental and physical disabilities.
The home needed everything and the roof was the first of many things that needed to be replaced, then the furnace, central air, hot water heater, new plumbing, new electric, new doors and some windows. At this point, the American Society of Interior Design chose Katie's House as their community service project, providing all the painting, floor refinishing, carpets, kitchen cabinets, appliances and furniture for the interior of the home. A central fire and burglar alarm system was also installed.
Please visit the ASID Web Site for story and photos of the ASID Katie's House Project!
When Katie graduated from high school she moved to her new home with the help of Real Life Choices that pays for her Personal Assistants. These Assistants care for her, take her to volunteer work positions, activities and make sure she is always safe.
In an effort to find other house members that were compatible in age and abilities Evelyn provided free respite care to other young adult women. Once compatible residents were chosen, the home was staffed with 5 Personal Assistants providing 24 hour coverage. These special women have been given the opportunity to Live Their Lives, Their Way.
Wanting reach out to other young adults with disabilities Katie's House has established an Activity Center providing sign language classes, music, dance, work projects and other activities that will benefit not only the clients served but the community.
Parents of adult children with disabilities are also given assistance and advice on how they too can set up A Home Built On Love under Katie's House.
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