Message From the Executive Director

Do you know your why? My “why”, my defining moment of why I do what I do…as an undergrad in college, my job as an aide at an assisted living home for the elderly had ended due to the owners selling the business. Well, now what I thought? A job in retail? Food service? I found a position with a company close to my house that was looking for direct care workers to support adults with developmental disabilities. I had never given any thought to working with this population before, in fact, I didn’t know these homes even existed so close to me. I was hired and I was scared! I had no idea what to expect. My first day, I pulled in to a very nice ranch home with a horseshoe shaped driveway that connected with the neighboring house. I approached the door to meet my trainer for the day and was welcomed in to a new and very well-kept home. Each of the ladies I met were so outgoing and wanted to know who I was and what I was doing in their home, they asked if I was “new staff”. We had an immediate connection. Fast forward some months later, I was sitting in a training class on how to protect myself and the people I support while deescalating a situation should one arise. During this class, I learned about the deplorable conditions at various institutions for the disabled. What? This was how MY ladies lived? Nope, no thank you. In my defining moment, I wanted to know how could I be part of the change that this population needs? I needed to speak for those who weren’t able to speak for themselves. My “why” path has led me to Maple Leaf Community Residences.

Maple Leaf Community Residences Inc. (MLCR) was created out of a housing needs assessment through the State of Ohio for people with developmental disabilities. We are a non-profit corporation providing appropriate homes that are safe and affordable.

When I am invited into the homes of the people MLCR supports, I love that they enjoy their homes and I am pleased that they want to give me a tour of their home. Knowing that many of our tenants have never had the opportunity to pick out the color of their bedroom walls until they were connected with MLCR is unimaginable, but nonetheless true.

Tell me your “why” and let’s figure out how we can work together.

Sara Clemson