cully Learning Center Foundation reveals Arizona housing need for the physical and developmental disabled

Scully Learning Center Foundation, which provides enrichment activities for physically and developmentally disabled adults, reveals a critical study, and need, to house individuals in northern Arizona communities.

According to Paula Scully, the organization’s founder and president, work is underway to garner the funds/donations needed to build a home for special people in need. Arizona calculates that the state is short an incredible 270,000 housing units right now.

“Our foundation is working with others in the community to construct a new type of group home that will serve as a national model for adults with physical and developmental disabilities as they transition from their lifelong family homes into a nurturing residential assisted living setting,” says Scully.

As Arizona’s population continues to grow, the housing crisis in the state is worsening. According to First Place Global Leadership (2023), the invisible population within the current housing crisis reveals that at least 159,000 people in Arizona who have an intellectual or developmentally disability (IDD) need housing now. Approximately 77% of those with IDD in the state live with their aging families. Of that, about 27% live with a caretaker over the age of 60. This invisible group-housing crisis is going to need housing and support as their families’ transition, perhaps due to their own needs of as a result of nursing homes or death. Without immediate action, the invisible housing crisis faced by adults with IDD, and their families, risks becoming a full blown emergency with widespread, lasting consequences, potentially increasing the number of homeless in Maricopa County.

“Unlike other residential settings, siblings or friends can be placed together, maintaining their lifelong bonds,” explains Scully. “Relatives will be welcome to reside in caregiver studio apartments while their loved ones adjust to their new settings and routines. With the right resources and support, our members can transition into a semi-independent (assisted) setting that provides peace of mind for concerned family members. This effort is called “Preserving Families.”
Scully initiated the campaign with a kickoff fundraiser on March 9, 2024.

The needs for persons with physical and intellectual disabilities are different than most individuals in need of residential placement due to the multiple challenges stemming from the combination of physical and developmental delays.
“Many of our members, who have never lived outside their family homes, reside with aging parents or guardians who eventually will be unable to provide care and housing. This realization has prompted us to embark on a new endeavor: establishing a distinctive residential center for adults with developmental and physical disabilities.” The Preserving Families Home will be the first of its kind and will provide a model enabling the month and comfortable transition out of a forever family home for physically and developmentally disabled adults and their siblings. Unlike other residential settings, siblings can be placed together and relatives will be welcome to reside in a studio apartment while their family member(s) adjust to their new setting. The same applies to siblings who have grown up together and need to remain together.

“Our goal is to replicate the sense of belonging and security these adults experienced in their family home,” says Scully. “This transition will be their first out of home placement, which could result in significant trauma, posing more placement challenges.”

Donations will help raise the funds needed to establish the assisted living residence. Scully Learning Center Foundation is an established non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which has provided enrichment activities for developmentally disabled adults since 2010. Located in Cave Creek and serving Carefree, North Scottsdale and surrounding areas, Scully provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to explore the world, find purpose and live meaningful lives. Scully Learning Center Foundation is located at 37436 N. Rancho Manana Blvd. The organization can be reached at 480.772.0889 or scullylearningcenter.com.

Source: Scully Learning Center Foundation, First Place Global Leadership (2023)