Home gives women chance for independence

Saturday, Aug 11, 2007 (Partially Edited From The Morning News, Florence, SC)

Five residents have moved into the Presbyterian Agency for the Developmentally Disabled (PADD) residence, called Wren Home, taking with them indelible memories of living long years at home with their parents.

Signs welcomed them this week, saying "Welcome Anna, Beth, Angie, Jessica and Jennifer, we love you!" The women, ranging in age from 20 to 33, have lived with their parents most of their lives. Jessica had not yet arrived by press time.

Anna Kearns, 28, of Hartsville has been waiting to move since plans for the home were first formulated. Her father, Bob, is chairman of PADD's board of trustees and a retired Sonoco Products Co. executive.

Anna proudly showed off her new room. It was as homey as her room in her parents' home in Hartsville.

"This is great," said Anna, who was born with Down syndrome. "I get to listen to my music and hang out with all my friends."

Anna has all kinds of pictures in her room, including an autographed picture of Cocky, the University of South Carolina's mascot. There also are pictures of her trying out to be a cheerleader at Hartsville High School, as an usher at First Presbyterian Church, graduating from Hartsville High School in 1999, working at the Shrimper in Hartsville, dancing with her father and posing with her brothers.

"I feel great about this, even though Anna is leaving home after 28 years," Bob Kearns said. "I remember thinking to myself when Anna was born, ?What will her life be like?' and ?Will she ever be able to do anything?' So, I guess, this is a dream for me, something I didn't expect to see.

"I'm overwhelmed and thankful for all the people who worked on this project. There was a lot of work done on it before I became involved."

Anna is the second youngest of four siblings. She lived at home the longest.

Bob Kearns said it was "different" when he woke up Wednesday morning and went downstairs to read the newspaper.

"I didn't hear Anna going through her normal morning routine," he said. "It was really strange. But I told Anna we're not going back until she gets settled with her new family. She knows she can come home for the holidays and other times. We haven't signed her away to any organization."

Beth Rogers of Hartsville is a close friend of Anna's. Her room is decorated in an aqua and purple color scheme. She drew one of the pictures on her wall. Her room, too, is filled with family pictures and other mementoes. The stuffed cat on her bed is named Patricia.

Angie Tyner from McBee was a little too busy to talk much. She had her Nintendo, television and a clear telephone that showed all the telephone's parts.

"I like it here," Angie said. "I keep my room neat all the time."

Jennifer Fallon, 33, showed off some of the trophies she won in the Special Olympics for her expertise in bowling and volleyball. She has video games for her computer and a closet full of movies. And in addition to family pictures, there are pictures of dogs.

"This one here is Carolina Girl and she's still living," Jennifer said pointing to Carolina Girl. "That's Gabby. She's a mutt. This is Lady, Harley and Gracie. They're all dead."

"This is a happy day for the residents and the community," said Gene Fallon, a Florence attorney and Jennifer's father. "These young folks will hopefully be able to realize their potential.

"I'm tickled to death to be a part of this, because it's going to be a perfect outlet for Jennifer," he added. "It will allow her to maintain her independence and gives her safety and social contacts. My wife and I are now going to have an empty nest. I don't know how we're going to be able to deal with it, but we'll find a way."

The whole purpose of the home is for them to become more independent.
The residents will take turns doing the household chores. They also will have jobs or volunteer positions in the community.

The Georgetown Presbyterian church donated a van to PADD that the residents will use for their transportation. "this donation was a blessing to the ministry", said Kearns.