NEWS

Two new houses for adults on campus at Flat Rock

By Reverend Nancy Hull, president, Flat Rock Homes & Care Centers

Bumps, Scrapes and Success

My 10 year old grandson, Wes, made his first trip to the emergency room this weekend. He was making a fort out of an empty refrigerator box, and he accidentally cut the top of his finger. It was a tense and bloody moment but a few stitches later he was sewn up and receiving tender care and attention from a circle of family.

Raising children really is a series of bumps and scrapes mixed in with an endless number of celebrations if we only have eyes to see them.  The celebrations and the bumps and scrapes are equally as critical to development.  We learn through each of these dimensions of life.  Like fireworks in the night sky, the celebrations offer splendor against a backdrop that might otherwise only be darkness.  The celebrations keep up hopeful. The bumps and scrapes keep us humble.

Recently at Flat Rock we celebrated the high school graduation of seven individuals in our care. This was a great celebration.  Families and staff gathered and remembered the journey together.  For us, this is an intimate journey, in which we are honored to be invited into the family life of our residents.  Some of these graduates have lived with us through their childhood and adolescence. We have seen a great number of bumps and scrapes, but we have also seen huge strides and growth and these are reasons for celebration.

Many might look at the persons we serve and say, “But they still can’t read or write.”  Others might point to the fact that those we serve will never take care of themselves without assistance.  But, we prefer to hold up what has been accomplished.  Grace can put on her own shirt and button it. Sally can ride a three-wheeled bicycle.  David can feed himself and can sign what he wants to drink with his dinner.  Their world is broader than many ever thought it would be. 

Progress is not measured by miles in our journey; it is measured by baby steps.  At the time of the graduation of the people we serve the work is not done, it is simply marked for a moment. The individuals we serve will need a continuum of care for the rest of their lives. Their learning processes will teach those around them that we all are lifelong learners.

In the past few years the Boards of Directors of Flat Rock have made decisions that will ensure that those children who need treatment in a safe environment in their adulthood will have the opportunity to remain at Flat Rock.  Two new houses have been opened for adults on our campus through our Community Services program. We expect that other homes will follow.  We currently serve over 60 adults who are not able to be fully independent.

For parents who don’t want their children living in a traditional community setting, this is an alternative that will allay their fears and allow them to rest at night. When Wes cut his finger he was encircled by a family of love.  When the children of Flat Rock experience bumps and scrapes, they too are encircled by all of you who pray for them, tend to them and share your resources on their behalf.  It is because of you that they and their families have reason to celebrate.
10/17/07