The Heartwarming Impact of Family
See how the family members at Carver House are making a difference for their loved ones.
At Carver House, our individuals’ families are more than just loved ones—they are the heartbeat of our community. Their dedication and generosity to the home have created a warm, supportive environment where everyone feels like family.
This past year, the family members came together to host memorable
celebrations, including birthday parties, a lively Halloween party, and a festive holiday gathering. Every holiday and birthday become a collaborative effort, with all the families pitching in to ensure every individual feels celebrated. The families come together every 2-3 months to host a party, keep in contact, and get to know the staff better.
Cassie’s mother, Sandy, spearheads the planning for all the parties and is known for her homemade treats. Everyone brings a dish to share and partakes in the fun games! Indoor snowball fight with stuffed plush snowballs, net free "volleyball" with balloons, the list goes on. You can’t help but have a fun time while you’re there!
Contributing in Other Ways
Deb, Jackie’s mother, made homemade putty, brought treats for the individuals, and donated over 100 binders and notebooks to support the home. She also ensures staff are appreciated with incredible Christmas gifts and kind words. Deb has also been a big advocate of our legislative goals, attending Disability Day at the Capitol and advocating for disability services at both the federal and state levels.
Other family members, like John Bredesen, Sandra Burrowes, and Libby Johnson have offered their time to help Phoenix grow. Both Sandra and Libby are on Phoenix’s Board of Directors, and all three of them have volunteered at our golf tournament. John and Sandra have made it an annual tradition to volunteer as photographers for the day, while Libby shared her family’s story on the course with the golfers. Cody’s aunt, Joy, also joined us for our annual 5K Made in the Shade Walk, helping raise awareness for the disability community.
“Being on the Board helps me give back by contributing my time and talents in helping guide the organization,” said Libby Johnson, mother of Alex at Carver House. “I have learned so much more about how PRI operates, its strengths and needs. I’ve gotten to know staff and other family members better.”
Program Supervisor Angelica McCoy sums up the spirit of Carver House beautifully:
"I have never seen so much unity and peace. They treat staff like family; they treat residents like family. They have made a huge difference in my life because they make the work environment feel like home. The family engagement is awesome here at Carver, and I couldn’t ask for better families."