– Third home of “Five Homes in Five Years” building campaign completed in September
– Your help now will ensure construction can begin on the fourth home next summer
September 7 was a red letter day for Mark Falsey. That was the day he got to show off the bedroom in the house he would soon be moving into. Mark was giving personal tours as part of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Elmore House, the third in The Arc’s “Five Homes in Five Years” building campaign.
Mark is one of the young adults in transition from school to adult life for whom these homes are being built. Autism makes some parts of his life more challenging, but he and his family have worked hard to make sure that doesn’t overshadow his abilities, interests, and personality.
Mark has been coming to The Arc since he turned fourteen. He participates in social and skill-building activities five days a week. He takes AnchorRides home most days. His parents would pick him up, but he wants to do it himself, even though it takes longer.
His mother, Margie Falsey, adds, “We talked to Mark about the possibility of moving into his own place a year ago. It’s hard for him to be patient so we’ve been driving by ever since groundbreaking and watching as the house was built.” Margie is a highly respected special education teacher at Rabbit Creek Elementary School.
Mark is currently enjoying his new home, which he shares with two roommates and a live-in life skills coach.
“Mark is different since he moved in,” says Jeffrey Kuball, Team Leader in the Recreation Center. “He’s calmer and his sense of humor is really coming out. When we ask him if he likes his new home, he says ‘yes’ with a self-satisfied nod and a smile. ”
If building funds can be raised, construction of the fourth home will begin next summer on a lot on Kuskokwim Drive. The lot was acquired through a long-term lease with Neighborworks Anchorage.