Claudy's house began as
a mother's passionate dream to give her son the best life possible. That
dream inspired the first ever independent living residence for developmentally
challenged young adults in the southern sector of Dallas.
Claudy's House for the
Developmentally Challenged exist to give its residents broad life experiences
and opportunities which produce positive, viable and productive citizens.
The group home provides a loving, Christian environment where independent
living, personal growth and dignity are a reality. Designed to accommodate
five to six adults, Claudy's House is a safe, wholesome environment with on-site
supervision that allows residents to be self-sufficient and live healthy, happy
lives.
When Claudette Maria
Wilkinson Bryant (Claudy) received the news that her youngest son Aaron had Down
Syndrome, a fierce determination was born to help her son achieve a promising
and productive life. Through faith and prayer, Claudette realized that God
had blessed her with Aaron because He trusted her. As a result, she
resolved to discover how children with developmentally challenges could be made
complete and live a fully independent life as an adult. More than
anything, she wanted to make sure Aaron was taken care of after she was gone.
Claudette faced the
challenge head on. Her devotion to increasing the quality of life for
Aaron was rewarded with a commission to the Texas Early Childhood Intervention
Board of Directors as a parent liaison. So thorough was her knowledge that
she was elected to chair the board for two term. Claudette viewed every
challenge in Aaron's life from a Godly perspective and was steadfast in her
promise to provide Aaron with a hope and a future.
Claudette's dream for Aaron
was that he would live in a Christian home all the days of his life. A
home that embodied the same kind of love, joy, and hope that she had given him.
But before she could see her dream fulfilled, she was tragically killed in 2004
from a terrible auto accident. Claudette's vision lives on and her family
and closest friends describe her as a Godly woman who loved family and blessed
the lives of many. Through her trust in God, she was able to show others
extraordinary kindness, patience and hope. Now her family is making her
dream a reality by establishing Claudy's House. The home is a tribute to
the legacy of love and kindness that Claudette demonstrated her entire life.
That was what mattered most.
"For I know
the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
