With the aid of many, Danny finds a new home

Today, Danny Shirey takes yet another step into his future.

With boxes, bags and bundles of teenage treasures, the 19 year old takes up resident in his new quarters in Natrona Heights, the Hawthorne House of Verland.

Having said his goodbyes on Monday to his D.T. Watson/HealthSouth family, Danny leaves the familiar boundaries of Quaker Valley to scope out broader vistas.

Hawthorne is home to seven other residents, all challenged by physical impairments such as cerebral palsy, closed-head injuries and spina bifida.

All use wheelchairs for mobility; each is in search of all the security and dignity that Verland can afford.

"This is one of three ICF/ORC (Intermediate Care Facility with Other Related Conditions) facilities in the state and one of a handful in the United States equipped to offer this kind of care," said Carolyn Mitchell, president, CEO and co-founder of Verland, whose headquarters is on Iris Road in Ohio Township.

Provided at this kind of site, designated by the Office of Social programs, are 24-hour staffing, nursing care, access to occupational and physical therapy, counseling, and educational/vocational programs.

Residents, too, are offered everything they might need to foster independence in all areas of their life - including a welcome from their new neighbors.

Although Danny is severely physically challenged by muscular dystrophy, the constant need for a wheel chair and the use of a ventilator at night, he was a part of Quaker Valley's student body for the last three years.

(He will resume his studies at Highland School District in the fall.)

Through the Quaker Valley Student Service Learning Center, students developed "Project Danny" to fund-raise for his needs, to explore housing options and to lobby area legislators on his behalf.

Danny, in turn, did his part by participating in classes and extra-curricular activities, and offering his services as a clerk in the Student Store.

But state funds and foundations are vital to the welfare of those like Danny whose challenges are serious and life-long.

"This was an extraordinary situation," said Mitchell, "but everybody worked together."

Verland, from its very beginnings, was a cooperative effort. It blossomed from its first breath into a mission for its three founders, Nancy Chalfant, Theo Hanzel O'Neil and Carol Mitchell, back in the 1970's.

Children of challenges had touched their lives.

"Something had to be done to make life better for them," said Mitchell, remembering David, Verlinda and Andrew, the inspirations of the foundation shaped to offer dignity, love and respect to those it serves.

Now, with more than 200 clients in 35 homes, Verland still offers "more than empathy" to the plight of the children and young adults.

Verland has come of age having just celebrated its 21st years with a gala reception.

"We're redefining what is possible. We're offering the residents 'everyday lives'."

The "everyday" includes participating in community life, going to movies, shopping, getting haircuts, attending classes and finding jobs.

"Many lives have been redefined and enriched by Verland's very existence," said Mitchell, in her address to those gathered at the celebration.

She counts her life among those most awesomely fulfilled as she labors at a job that has long ago become a mission.

"If you are meant to help a person, it will happen. Balanced by the urgency of the need, it was God's will to fit him into a household. Danny was meant to live in Verland.