Chronologically our kids are growing up, but not psychologically. We will have two young children forever.”Carol Dean, Parent
Creating a blended family is never easy. But when Richard and Carol Dean got married, they faced a unique challenge. Each has a daughter with developmental disabilities.
Amanda Dean and Jill Tadkowski are stepsisters who act like many siblings do – protective of their personal space, competitive about getting their parents’ attention and focused on their jobs and their own needs.
Now adults, the two share the townhouse their parents purchased and rent to The Arc. The Arc pays less-than-market value for use of the home, and the Deans are guaranteed a permanent residence for their daughters. Staff from The Arc supervise the home around-the-clock.
By purchasing the house and renting it back to The Arc, “We created an opportunity for more control over our daughters’ residential situation,” Richard Dean says.
“Raising children doesn’t get easier or harder as they get older, it’s just different,” adds Carol Dean. “Chronologically our kids are growing up, but not psychologically. We will have two young children forever.”
The Deans were so grateful for The Arc’s services, they chaired the year-long Golden Opportunities festivities in celebration of The Arc’s 50th anniversary. A former president of The Arc, Richard is currently chair of the Resource Development Committee.
“The Arc makes people more successful in the community,” Richard says, “We wanted to help them be around for 50 more years.”
