It Takes a Village to Create a Place to Thrive

Though brain trauma at birth caused developmental delays, Hanna Steele grew up as a bubbly and active child. The youngest of three in Franklin Township, she was a Brownie who also took dance and gymnastics. As a middle and high schooler, she participated in Challenger softball, track and sparkle cheerleading. Life was fun and fulfilling.

But after graduating from Franklin Central High School, Hanna’s sunny disposition dimmed. She and her parents discovered there aren’t many opportunities for young people with disabilities. Because she doesn’t drive and doesn’t live in a walkable neighborhood, Hanna was stuck at home when her mom and dad went to work.

“We were really at a loss,” said her mom, Cherri Steele.

But then they heard about Damar Village and some other young women who were looking for a roommate. The young women met several times, and their families got together for dinner to get to know each other. They realized they had found community.

In March 2023, the roommates moved into an apartment at the Village. Though there have been a few bumps – one of the roommates didn’t work out and has moved on – the situation has been life-changing.

Hanna’s made new friends and become more independent. She’s learned to clean and use appliances like the washer and dryer. She does her own laundry now, and orders her own groceries for delivery.

Combined, the roommates have a Damar staff caseworker for 16 hours a day. The caseworker helps them with daily chores, takes them on outings in the community and teaches cooking classes.

With the opening of the final phase of Damar Village, Hanna and the other Village residents get even more amenities and opportunities to form a community. New residents will offer more chances for connections, and a Village Center offers a game room, fitness center, library, nail salon, teaching kitchen and more. The opportunities for fun and new experiences are endless.

“Just about anything you can think of, you’ll find there,” said Hanna.

“My husband and I won’t be around forever,” said Cherri Steele. “I need to feel in my soul that she’s somewhere safe and clean and at a place where people care about her. This has been lifechanging.”