Opening your home to someone through Connecticut’s Community Companion Home program doesn’t just change their life. It changes yours too.
That’s the message Dan Ferman, Regional Director of Clinical Services, and Terri Console, Adult Services Program Director, shared during their recent appearance on WTNH’s CT Buzz.
Community Companion Home (CCH) is Connecticut’s model for supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in a family home with a carefully matched provider who shares daily life with them.
At its core, CCH is built on two things: relationships and choice. Providers and the people they support share meals, celebrate milestones, spend time in their communities, and build a life together. Just as importantly, the person receiving support has a voice in where they live, who they live with, and what a meaningful life looks like for them.
Dan shared one story that captures the heart of the program. A woman receiving support became such an important part of her provider’s family that she’s now known simply as “Aunt” to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have never known life without her. It’s a reminder that CCH isn’t simply about providing support. It’s about creating lasting relationships.
Finding the Right Match
Getting to a match like the one Dan described takes time. Aspire works closely with each prospective provider and each person receiving support to understand who they are before any match is ever made. We stay involved for as long as the relationship lasts, with clinical support there whenever something changes or a need comes up.
Could You Be a CCH Provider?
Many people assume becoming a CCH provider requires a healthcare background. It doesn’t. The qualities that matter most are compassion, patience, dependability, and a genuine desire to build a meaningful relationship with another person. Some providers are empty nesters. Others are working professionals. Some have experience supporting a family member, while others are completely new to the role.
No matter your background, you won’t do it alone. Aspire offers training, ongoing support, and access to clinical expertise throughout the journey.
Connecticut needs more people willing to open their homes and create opportunities like the one Dan described. If you have room in your life and want to make an impact on someone’s life, becoming a Community Companion Home provider may be a great opportunity for you.
Learn More
If you’ve ever wondered whether opening your home could make a meaningful difference, we’d love to answer your questions. Contact our team today to start the conversation.