Benjamin’s Hope – Home I is part of a vibrant farmstead community created with the vision of nurturing belonging and connection for adults with intellectual and developmental differences, including autism. The organization is deeply rooted in the belief that every individual is beautifully created and deserving of authentic inclusion, hope, and purpose. Home I offers adults an opportunity to live in independent or semi-independent apartments set within inviting farm-style homes. This living model is designed to encourage autonomy, choice, and personal growth, with support tailored to each individual’s needs while fostering a sense of responsibility, purpose, and deep connection to the larger community.
Daily life at Benjamin’s Hope – Home I is rich with opportunities for learning, play, worship, and social engagement. Residents can participate in the NEXT program, an innovative weekday initiative that brings together adults from the community for growth-focused, lifelong learning experiences. The NEXT program emphasizes whole-person development, offering a well-rounded schedule of community-based activities centered on volunteerism, horticulture, physical fitness, spiritual growth, and social development. The natural environment at Benjamin’s Hope invites organic moments of play, from visiting alpacas and exploring winding trails, to spending time in the sensory gardens or meeting friends at Club Connect. These experiences cultivate meaningful friendships and support emotional well-being.
A key aspect of life at Home I is the emphasis on inclusive worship. The Church of Benjamin’s Hope welcomes people of all abilities to a weekly Sunday evening service that is described as radically inclusive and refreshing. Worship at Benjamin’s Hope is not just an activity, but a heartfelt celebration of each person’s unique story within the accepting love of Jesus, making spiritual life accessible and affirming for everyone.
Throughout the year, Benjamin’s Hope – Home I is part of a bustling calendar of community events, including summer concert series featuring local bands such as Dying will be Easy, Friends of Friends, Dunegrass, Sunday Scaries, and The Khakis. These family-friendly gatherings invite residents and neighbors alike to enjoy music, food, and fellowship in a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. Benjamin’s Hope stands out as a thriving example of what can be achieved through creative partnerships between public, private, and faith-based communities. Through every aspect—whether in the comfort of their home setting, the nurturing programs, or the shared moments on the farm—residents are supported in living lives filled with learning, play, purpose, and joy.