Since the seeds Indian Creek Foundation were planted by families who had a child with special needs, we have always been a family-centered organization. As those families got together to support each other and talk about creating opportunities for their children, they developed ideas that would eventually launch Indian Creek Foundation.
The Delp family was invited into these support meetings with other parents when their son, Aaron, was just a little boy. At the time, Indian Creek’s sheltered workshop and residential programs were growing. Lee and Ruth Delp saw the potential for Aaron to be able to work within the program once he grew up. Aaron is in his late 40s now and lives in one of our group homes. His mother, Ruth, recently shared about her family’s experience with Indian Creek.
It Helps to Have Support from Friends and Social Services
Ruth and her late husband, Lee, appreciated having a group of parents who understood the dynamics of special needs. Many of the parents they met had older teens and young adults, so the Delps relied on their wisdom and advice. These parents had already forged a path that provided options. Lee and Ruth were encouraged to know that Aaron might be able to work a productive job one day.
The Delps also had support within Montgomery County and their school district. Aaron had a social worker at North Penn High School who helped his parents learn more about the support he could receive from the county and state. It was the social worker who suggested that Aaron could start attending the sheltered workshop at Indian Creek while still in high school in order to build his skills.
What the Delps learned through that experience is that there is a process for receiving funding to enroll in certain social service programs. At the time, they were fortunate to have the resources to fund Aaron’s part-time workshop participation on their own. The social worker helped them obtain state funding so that when he finished high school, he could attend the workshop full-time.
A New Home for Indian Creek
Like many adult children with special needs, Aaron was able to continue living at home with his parents for many years after high school. Lee and Ruth cared for his needs when he wasn’t attending the workshop at Indian Creek, and he had a comfortable home life.
As everyone got older, though, it was time to plan for Aaron’s ongoing residential needs. The Delps felt as though they were still managing Aaron’s care pretty well in his mid-thirties, but they understood that no one was getting any younger. After one residential living arrangement did not work out for the family, Ruth spoke with Indian Creek Foundation. As a highly involved parent, she advocated for Aaron and the home that would become his residence. In fact, Ruth was determined to invest in Indian Creek on behalf of her son.
She found a great house for sale on Madison Avenue in Souderton. It already had a handicap accessible ramp out front, and it was priced just right. The Delps made a donation that allowed Indian Creek Foundation to purchase the house. Once everything was finalized, Aaron and a few other housemates moved in. In fact, Aaron moved into Madison Ave, where he still lives today, on his 37th birthday!
The Delps also decided to invest more of their time and effort into the organization. Lee wanted to join the Board of Directors and was accepted into the next term. In that role, Lee learned even more about what a benefit Indian Creek has been to the community. He used his networking influence gained from a long career as a local executive to make more businesses aware of the organization. Corporate giving and event sponsorship grew as more business owners learned about Indian Creek’s work.
Lee encouraged Ruth to recommend Indian Creek’s residential program to the other parents she had become friends with so many years ago. A few families were glad to have that personal assurance that their sons and daughters would enjoy a comfortable and active lifestyle with us. Lee started reaching out to the families of Indian Creek residents to get them more involved in the organization. That outreach was very effective in showing parents and siblings what a positive influence they can have in the community on behalf of their loved ones.
Managing From the Heart
Ruth has always been thankful for the staff at Aaron’s home. Aaron’s house has a Supervisor and designated Direct Support Professionals who provide care around the clock. What she especially appreciates about Indian Creek is that everyone clearly cares. When she calls, they are warm and friendly. When she visits, they look out for her comfort as much as her son’s. She always thanks them for their work and care.
She shared, “It’s hard work, and you have to have a heart for it. Indian Creek really knows how to find and hire the people who have just the right heart for this work.”
Ruth and the families of Aaron’s housemates are all very involved. Ruth provides dinner for the entire household every Friday night. She can hear them calling out their orders whenever they know she is on the phone with Aaron. She mentioned that the other families seem to enjoy providing regular meals for the house as well. She knows that the staff are honored to be included in these treats and that they are encouraged by the love shown by all the families.
It’s clear that the staff and residents care for each other and are respectful to the families. Ruth calls every day, and she brings Aaron to her house on Thursdays and Sundays. She interacts with Indian Creek staff almost every day, and she always finds them to be thoughtful and attentive. They take concerns seriously, and they communicate in a personal way. It is comforting to know that her son is being cared for in the way she would care for him.
Support Through Every Change
The Delps have experienced many changes in the ten years Aaron has lived in an Indian Creek residence. Lee passed away a few years ago, and Aaron’s brother, Rich, replaced him on our Board. Before Lee died, he and Ruth moved from the family home to a Dock Woods residence. Ruth said that Aaron never seemed to mind the change. He was comfortable because his family was there.
Aaron knows that he has his own home, too. He prefers not to spend the night at Ruth’s house. When they get together on Thursday evenings and Sundays, they enjoy sharing a meal, attending church, going for rides over speed bumps, watching the trains, seeing animals at farms, and going to the hospital to watch the helicopter. They wind down their visits by snuggling on the couch to watch a movie or listen to music. Aaron is especially fond of music and loves to clap his hands and dance. But he always knows when he’s ready to go home and points to his shoes as the signal.
Ruth knows that as she and Aaron both get older, she may have to change their visit schedule or get extra help to manage. But she also knows that Aaron is living a wonderful life and enjoys his days. He goes to music therapy twice a week, enjoys old shows on TV, and being affectionate with friends. He loves to shake hands (with a strong handshake!) and smile at anyone nearby.
Her advice to parents who have a child with special needs is to be in regular communication with their social worker or case manager. That professional knows how to access the resources that will support the child and parents through the transition to adulthood. The earlier families learn how to plan realistically for their child’s care, the better options they will have.
If you would like to learn more about the Residential & Community-based Services at Indian Creek Foundation, please contact us at 267-203-1500, ext. 153. If you have a family member who is a resident in one of our homes, please reach out to share your story! We’d love to hear from you.