Hope Residence provides ‘best experience’
Since adopting their daughter Desiree, Leona and Paul DeVlaeminck have always wanted the best for her. When Desiree became part of the family, she was two years old.
“There was such a connection with her,” Leona explained. “I still remember the day that we brought her home. She had been with a foster family for 18 months, but while leaving, there were no tears. There was no fear of us as strangers.”
Together, Leona and Paul had three sons and were hoping for a daughter to be part of the family. Paul suggested that they adopt. Due to adopting internationally being quite expensive, the couple focused on adopting a special needs child, Desiree.
Desiree is deaf, has cerebral palsy, and is hyper-active. The DeVlaeminck family lives in Gaylord, Minnesota where Desiree attended school until first grade. It was suggested that she attend the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf (MSAD) in Faribault, Minnesota.
“The local school was struggling with how to teach Desiree to learn to read because English is different than American Sign Language,” Leona said. “Now in hindsight, attending MSAD was the best thing for her because she was within her culture.”
Desiree graduated from the school. Her parents tried several different places to find the right the place for Desiree to call home. Nothing was the right fit until they found Hope Residence, a care community focused on disability housing located in Belle Plaine, Minnesota.
Leona and Paul first learned about the Hope Residence while attending a Jesus Cares Ministries event through St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota. Some of the residents and team members from Hope Residence had come to the event. The family toured Hope and Desiree was open to moving in.
“It was her best experience. Team members worked really hard to learn sign language and set aside a time for Desiree to help them learn,” Leona explained. “Hope’s spiritual care was a major plus for us. It was wonderful to know that was living in Godly atmosphere.”
Desiree and her parents recently made the decision for her to leave Hope. Desiree was recently married. She and her husband Gabriel, who is also deaf, reside in an apartment near Leona and Paul.
“They make a great team together. The things she can’t do, he is able to help with like cooking. The things he struggles with like finances, she understands and helps with,” Leona said.
Hope residents friends, Joyce, Heather, and Christine attended the wedding ceremony and celebrated with Desiree.
Join Our Family. At Hope Residence, person-centered care is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual by focusing on personal growth and enrichment. Do you know someone who would like to join our Hope family? Visit tlha.org for more information.