December 04, 2024
Home modification benefits family of 7-year-old living with cerebral palsy
The holidays will be a little brighter for a Parker family thanks to Home Builders Foundation, Taylor Morrison Homes and several generous trades. Last December, Jimmy and Arriana moved their family of six from Tucson, AZ to Colorado in order to be closer to the NAPA Center, which offers individualized pediatric therapy programs. Their 7-year-old daughter, Persephone, has cerebral palsy and the family had been traveling between states so that she could participate in 3-week intensive therapy sessions at NAPA. They quickly realized that Persephone would benefit from ongoing treatment and made the decision to relocate.
They chose a home in Parker recently built by Taylor Morrison. It was a great fit for their growing family (the couple’s youngest son was born in July), with lots of space, an open floor plan and a location on a cul-de-sac surrounded by other families with young children.
Unfortunately, the home was not wheelchair accessible so Persephone had to be carried up and down the stairs, and getting her into the shower put both her and her parents at the risk of a fall. The NAPA Center put the family in touch with Home Builders Foundation (HBF), a nonprofit that provides home modifications to increase safety and independence and elevate life for those with physical disabilities.
When Taylor Morrison heard about the project, they quickly signed up as the Project Captain. Matthew Ervin, VP of Field Operations for Taylor Morrison, stated, “We had wanted to get more involved with HBF, and since we had all the plans on the home, it just made sense.” They reached out to several trades and soon had a full team assembled to install a Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) and landing in the garage, change out the entry door and modify the bathroom adjacent to Persephone’s bedroom.
On November 21st, the family welcomed everyone involved in the project into their home for a dedication. Mom thanked the crew for their commitment and shared the amazing impact the modifications have had on their entire family. “It’s made all of our lives a lot easier,” she shared. “I think the best thing is the freedom that it’s provided to Persephone. Now, when her brothers go outside to play, she can wheel herself out to join them instead of waiting for me to carry her out.” A smiling Persephone led guests on tours of her bedroom and demonstrated the ease with which she can operate the VPL.
The project was also a highlight for Ryan Bogard, who served as Taylor Morrison’s Project Superintendent. “They are such a great family. Being with them every day and seeing the benefit of our work made the entire crew feel good,” said Bogard.
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Home Builders Foundation (HBF) is the Charity of Choice for the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver. HBF elevates the lives of individuals living with physical disabilities through home modifications and partnership within the home building industry. To learn more about HBF, or to get involved as a volunteer, supporter, or partner, visit www.hbfdenver.org.
The holidays will be a little brighter for a Parker family thanks to Home Builders Foundation, Taylor Morrison Homes and several generous trades. Last December, Jimmy and Arriana moved their family of six from Tucson, AZ to Colorado in order to be closer to the NAPA Center, which offers individualized pediatric therapy programs. Their 7-year-old daughter, Persephone, has cerebral palsy and the family had been traveling between states so that she could participate in 3-week intensive therapy sessions at NAPA. They quickly realized that Persephone would benefit from ongoing treatment and made the decision to relocate.
They chose a home in Parker recently built by Taylor Morrison. It was a great fit for their growing family (the couple’s youngest son was born in July), with lots of space, an open floor plan and a location on a cul-de-sac surrounded by other families with young children.
Unfortunately, the home was not wheelchair accessible so Persephone had to be carried up and down the stairs, and getting her into the shower put both her and her parents at the risk of a fall. The NAPA Center put the family in touch with Home Builders Foundation (HBF), a nonprofit that provides home modifications to increase safety and independence and elevate life for those with physical disabilities.
When Taylor Morrison heard about the project, they quickly signed up as the Project Captain. Matthew Ervin, VP of Field Operations for Taylor Morrison, stated, “We had wanted to get more involved with HBF, and since we had all the plans on the home, it just made sense.” They reached out to several trades and soon had a full team assembled to install a Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) and landing in the garage, change out the entry door and modify the bathroom adjacent to Persephone’s bedroom.
On November 21st, the family welcomed everyone involved in the project into their home for a dedication. Mom thanked the crew for their commitment and shared the amazing impact the modifications have had on their entire family. “It’s made all of our lives a lot easier,” she shared. “I think the best thing is the freedom that it’s provided to Persephone. Now, when her brothers go outside to play, she can wheel herself out to join them instead of waiting for me to carry her out.” A smiling Persephone led guests on tours of her bedroom and demonstrated the ease with which she can operate the VPL.
The project was also a highlight for Ryan Bogard, who served as Taylor Morrison’s Project Superintendent. “They are such a great family. Being with them every day and seeing the benefit of our work made the entire crew feel good,” said Bogard.
###
Home Builders Foundation (HBF) is the Charity of Choice for the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver. HBF elevates the lives of individuals living with physical disabilities through home modifications and partnership within the home building industry. To learn more about HBF, or to get involved as a volunteer, supporter, or partner, visit www.hbfdenver.org.
Contact:
Beth Forbes
bforbes@hbfdenver.org, (303) 551-6721
