We left feeling deeply grateful… and even more encouraged about the path we’re on.
Here are some of the things that stayed with us most from our time together.
A Vision Rooted in Love—and the Determination to Make It Real
One of the most powerful things we witnessed was the love Heidi and Philippe have for their son—and the determination that love inspired.
They knew what they wanted for him.
They developed a vision.
And they made it happen.
It wasn’t easy. They faced challenges, uncertainty, and the many obstacles that come with building something that doesn’t yet exist. But they persevered. Today, they’ve created a community that brings peace of mind—not only for their son, but for themselves and their entire family.
That sense of security for the future—knowing their son will be okay—was something we felt deeply. That’s ultimately why we’re doing this too: to help create a life where our daughter, and others like her, can thrive with stability, dignity, and support long into the future.
The Gift of Shared Experience
Philippe and Heidi were incredibly open about their journey—what worked, what didn’t, and what they learned along the way. Their willingness to share so freely with us, complete strangers when we first met, meant more than we can fully express.
They encouraged us to stay anchored in our vision.
To trust what we know is best for our child and our family.
To keep going—even when the path isn’t simple.
There’s something powerful about hearing that from parents who have already done what you’re trying to do.
The Transformation That Comes with Independence
One of the most meaningful things they shared was the growth they’ve seen in their son.
His independence.
His pride.
His confidence.
Watching him thrive in a setting designed to support his life—not limit it—has brought them tremendous comfort. It has reassured them that he will be okay when they are no longer there to provide daily care.
That reality—seeing your child flourish in a sustainable, supportive environment—is everything.
Benefits That Extend to the Whole Family
Another theme that stood out was how broadly the benefits of their community extend.
It’s good for their son.
It’s good for them as parents.
It’s good for siblings.
It’s good for staff.
It’s good for other residents.
When an environment is designed thoughtfully, everyone is strengthened by it. The entire system becomes healthier, more stable, and more supportive.
That whole-family and community impact resonated strongly with us.
Encouragement We Didn’t Know We Needed
We haven’t felt discouraged about building a community for our daughter and others—but seeing Coastal Haven in real life was incredibly encouraging.
It wasn’t just an idea.
It wasn’t theoretical.
It was real.
It was working.
And it had been built in just a handful of years.
Walking away from that conversation, we felt more encouraged than ever—and honestly, even more excited about what’s possible.
The Need Is Real—and So Is the Interest
We were also struck (though not surprised) by how much interest they received early on.
When they first shared their vision with other families, interest grew quickly. Meetings outgrew their living room. More space was needed. More families wanted to be part of it.
That response reflects something we all know: the need is enormous.
And the idea that communities like this can grow—helping not just one family, but many—is deeply motivating.
Learning from Their Experience Saves Time for Ours
Philippe and Heidi shared many practical insights about their process—the challenges they faced, decisions they made, and lessons they learned along the way.
Some things we’ll still have to experience firsthand—that’s inevitable. But anticipating certain realities will help us move more thoughtfully and efficiently.
Their willingness to share may very well save us significant time—and help us avoid unnecessary detours.
That’s an incredible gift.
The Power of Shared Understanding
It also struck us how natural the connection felt, even though we had never met before.
Parents of children with special needs share a kind of understanding that doesn’t require long explanations. Our situations may differ, but many of the emotional realities are the same.
We help each other because we know what it feels like.
That shared experience creates powerful connections.
Gratitude
We are deeply grateful to Philippe and Heidi for their time, their generosity, and their willingness to share so openly. Their example is incredibly valuable.
We walked away encouraged, inspired, and more committed than ever to the work ahead.
And for that, we are truly thankful.
We found Philippe and Heidi through Together for Choice. You can watch their Founder’s Story presentation here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gasYP9NuAxU