I am writing this letter in regard to the Bridgeview Court Home, in Beardstown IL, where my daughter Linda Sue Wimmersberg has lived for the past two years. Linda's stepfather and I visit her frequently. This beautiful newly built group home is very clean and safe, with a very homey atmosphere. The decor and furniture is pleasing to the eye and more than suits the needs of the residents.
Each room accommodates two persons. Linda and her roommate are very compatible. They have their own closets, furniture and allowed many personal items. The staff prepares tasty, healthy meals to the liking of most of the residents. We are impressed by the interaction Linda has with the staff. There is a lot of caring and love shown. Anytime we have ever visited, she is always clean and neatly dressed with a nice haircut.  Linda is always smiling and to me that portrays happiness within her. The staff works with Linda, involving her in various activities, also plenty of “spoiling" time, we've noticed! Linda doesn't seem to be interested in inter-action with her peers, rather with her staff.
         Linda looks forward to each visit from all of us.  She is always taken for rides, which is her favorite thing to do.  I commend the staff at both her home and day program. I see a lot of love and  care given to my Linda. I can only say how happy it makes me feel upon every departure from her, that she is so loved and well taken care of. My heartfelt thanks to all who are involved in her life. I am deeply gratified.
Respectfully Submitted

Mother/guardian

         My mentally handicapped nephew, Dean, lived at home with his parents, Bob and Rose, until he was 40 years old. I tried convincing Bob and Rose to put bean in a good home so when they pass away, he wouldn't be so devastated with their loss while trying to adjust to a new life. Well, as life turned out, they didn't. 4 years ago his mother Rose, passed away. Last year, his father, my brother Bob, passed away. While my brother was dying of cancer Dean lived with me for a couple of months. That was when I toured several homes for handicapped individuals in the Southern Illinois Area. I knew that what I had looked at was not going to suffice my desires for Dean. These were the factors that I made my decisions on for residential living for Dean. Not one place held all of these factors except Freeburg Terrace: cleanliness was number one, individual attention & concern, caring and loving staff, # of residents, routine and schedules for the residents, medical care, employment and activities. With all of the adjustments Dean has had to make in the past year and due to the love and concern from the staff at Freeburg Terrace, Dean is now at peace and calls Freeburg Terrace home and the residents are his family.
         I knew the day I walked into Freeburg Terrace, to tour it, that it was a true blessing from God. I actually cried, I was so extremely pleased with the atmosphere. I would highly recommend DD Homes to anyone that is looking to place a loved one in a great home!
Pat Berg – Belleville, IL

        I am expressing my sense of gratitude for the high quality of life that my Uncle Joe is living. After his mother died in 1974, Uncle Joe lived with various sibling families until my mom could no longer care for him. We saw his adjustment to this continued change become more and more challenging for him and us. It was very difficult for my mom to assist in the decision and consider Uncle Joe's admission to a group home. Over the years my mom's comfort in the decision has continually grown, We see Uncle Joe having a higher quality of life at his age of 74 than in his younger years. He has the environment and opportunities to live a life that is rich in love and happiness. Where he lives, Uncle Joe is seen as a whole person with capacity to have a full and meaningful life.
For this, my mom (and all of us) have great peace. Thank you!

...my friends at Thelma Terrace

        As I began looking for a group home for Joy in 1999 I knew it would be a dreaded time for me. It would be a time of great sorrow for me since she is all that was left of my family. As most parents, I spent my life protecting my child from strangers who would take advantage of her. Now it was time to put these fears aside and go for it, although, many parents I have worked with, prayed that their child would leave this earth first, including myself. We knew we could never trust the government to keep their promises. One day they would give them the world and the next day they would take it away.
       One of my wishes, in placing Joy, was to get beyond this and make the thought of going into a group home to be a positive thing.
       It took me three moves to know in my heart that this is the place, Thelma Terrace, well impressed me with the respect they have shown Joy and her mother. How very important this is. YES, RESPECT! We finally found it.
       I found that they really keep Joy Busy, which is what she needs. Their activities are greater than mine. She goes out more than I do.
       Each time I visit Thelma I find a happy place. Staff and client both are laughing and taking care of tasks at hand.
       As I come in the door I am always greeted with a warm smile. As I turn into the open living area where everyone meets to enjoy time together after being at work all day I find a very pleasant room where they can play games, watch TV, and talk. You are also made aware that dinner is being prepared as the aroma goes throughout the house and some of the clients are helping, with pride, to get things ready.
       As i move down the hallway I am confronted with very clear and bright bedrooms for all. There is fresh paint, new curtains or blinds, beautiful bedspreads, personal items, and now new furniture. What more can you ask for! I am just thrilled. Thank you STAFF.
       Yes, when I am called home I can now rest assured that Joy has found her spot in this life with staff who really care about her as an individual.
Melva Rhoads - Proud to be called Joy's MOM

        My brother Vernon lives at Woodlawn Court.  Staff is polite and helpful and they notify me if there is a problem.  I am informed of any of his medical concerns. Vern gets to participate in a variety of activities and outings which he enjoys.  The home is always neat and clean and was recently beautifully redecorated.  I am happy to have found Woodlawn Court for Vernon. It is a place that he calls home.  
Joyce Hasenmeyer
Sister/Guardian

       My son, Tony, moved to Freeburg terrace in November 2006 and seems to be adjusting well.  The home is a nice environment with a super friendly and caring staff.  I try to see Tony every weekend so I see the house and staff frequently.  The house is always clean and staffed appropriately.
       My primary goal when looking for a home for Tony was finding a place I felt comfortable leaving Tony.  Well Freeburg Terrace was the place and two years later Tony moved in.  I still miss Tony at home with me but it is a good feeling to know he is happy and surrounded by good people.
Lynn M. Bartoloni

     A gut wrenching decision was made 15 years ago by my husband and I, Richard and his six siblings.  We all knew the day would come, and we were conseled by some learned people that our son Richard would be better off in a surrounding that would suit him and his special needs, (Downs Syndrome).  This lead us to the group home located in Wood River, IL called Thelma Terrace!  After weeks of sleepless nights and numerous phone calls, we were convinced that Richard was truly happy and felt quite at home.
     Richard has grown into a wonderful young man, under the guidance of the wonderful and caring staff associated with this home.  The love that is shown not only to our son, but to the rest of the residents is superior.  The numerous outings, Guys night out, vacation trips, Cardinal baseball games and the Muny Opera in the summer, Special Olympics and church on Sunday fulfill Richard’s life.  Thelma Terrace has become his home and family.
Richard and Sally Dean
761 Bordeaux Circle
St. Albans, MO

     When Jeff first indicated that he wanted to move to a group home, I felt a combination of emotions. I was proud of his independent spirit, but concerned about his welfare. I had a lot of concerns about a move, but I also felt that it was his choice and that I needed to honor his decision.
     At the top of my priority list was my need to feel comfortable with the home and its culture, location, procedures, staff, and administration. When Jeff was in high school, every year as part of his transition planning, we visited group homes and sheltered workshops, so I was fairly familiar with the group homes in this area.
     Also, parents share experiences, so I felt as if I knew the ones to stay away from.
It was easy for me to decide where I wanted Jeff to go. In fact, I felt so strongly about Jeff moving into Edwardsville Terrace that we waited for almost a year for an opening to occur. The daughter of some very close friends has lived there for 7 years, and as far as I am concerned, that's quite a vote of confidence.
     The staff and administration were so very understanding and helpful relative to all aspects of the move and the transition that Jeff and the rest of us had to make. When you visit somebody's home for the first time, it doesn't take long to get a feel about the atmosphere of the home and the people who live there. The same is true about Edwardsville Terrace. The residents are friendly and happy, which speaks highly of the staff and the level of care and treatment that is provided, as well as the programs/activities that are offered. But the best aspect of Edwardsville Terrace and the reason I feel as if I made the best and most responsible choice for Jeff is the way the residents and staff have made Jeff feel like he is part of their family. When we pick him up, he is happy to see us, but he is always ready to return to his "home". The first time that Jeff referred to Edwardsville Terrace as "home", it broke my heart. Now, I realize that Jeff is a lucky guy - he now has 2 families and 2 homes, and for that I am grateful.
Kathy Clark

This is our story about letting Shaun go.
     It first started when our son at age 18 months was diagnosed with "Myoclonic Seizures*. We were told by the physician treating him at the time that it would be in our own "best interest" to institutionalize him and basically isolate ourselves from him. That he would probably would not live past the age of 5 years.
After hearing this, we decided that it was time for a “new" doctor. We found a wonderful doctor that experimented using medicines to control his seizures. He was able to eliminate Shaun's seizures for a period of 3 years. His life started evolving.
He started "special education" school at age 3 and went on to graduate high school at the age of 20.
     We had this fear in the "back of our minds" that Shaun may never have the opportunity to live his life with any independence. That his life would consist of living with us for the rest of our lives, Which was fine with us. But then we considered, "what would happen when we both died. Ironically, around that time,
Shaun came to us and said he wanted to live on his own.
We then started searching for an "assisted living" facility for Shaun. Through the grace of God, we were able to find Brauns Terrace. This group home accommodates
16 disabled adults.
     Shaun has lived at Braun’s for 6 years now and he calls it home. The staff that Braun's chooses has been nothing less than "remarkable". Their screening of the staff they hire is to be applauded. The programs they have for their personal care and guidance meets each individuate needs. Shaun is learning to make the right choices.
Interaction with other people is so important for him to experience. He has learned and "grown up" so much from interaction and the programs that Braun’s uses. He would never have experienced this “on a daily basis” living at home with us.  HE HAS A JOB!
     Visiting Shaun is no problem. His home is 20 minutes away from us. We just call ahead to make arrangements with the staff for him to come home for a day visit or an overnight stay.
     Gary and I cannot thank these “fine people” enough. The interaction he is experiencing is priceless.  It is helping him to grow “mentally” as well as physically. We are witnessing a fine young man developing before our eyes.
We would like to thank the management and staff of Braun’s Terrace for giving our son a wonderful place to live and for the excellent care and guidance he receives from the staff.
With our deepest gratitude,
Shaun's parents
Patty and Gary Wasser

    Your call for a comment on our impression on the experiences of his life this past 5 years with your facility offered me another opportunity to thank you and your staff for the many pleasant changes in Gary’s life.
    The nearly constant and varied stimulus for his growth were apparent from the very start of his residence at Beardstown Terrace.  His vocabulary has increased three fold, at least along with being much more vocal than when living with our parents. I assume the opportunity for interaction with more individuals, even more than just at the workshop, and chance interactions in the confines of a combined residence have been partly responsible.  Along with frequent road trips and exposure to the city of Beardstown itself he’s seen more of the outside worked the last year than for sometime at home with Mom and Dad.
    The regimented diet has been a God-send! I was sure he would rebel at the prospect of no junk food in his diet.  The weight loss has done him nothing but great good, not to mention the regular exercise, which was totally missing at home. 
    In short, our experience with Beardstown Terrace has been truly remarkable. We always knew he would receive quality care at the home and assumed that the company of people that he had known from the workshop would ease the transition, but we are very appreciative of the warm, loving environment that has allowed him to grow as an individual. I am ever in your debt.
Robert A. Daniel

    This is the story of letting go and letting grow. You cannot imagine how hard it is let a child go when they have always depended on you for all of their needs, We knew that no one else had the slightest idea of how to deal with our Autistic son, Craig. We found out that we were wrong. We had talked and prayed about trying to find a placement for Craig. We had visited a few homes and none of them felt right. When Craig turned 24, we found Beardstown Terrace and we can honestly say that it felt right. We were welcomed with smiles and they instantly turned to Craig and said "lets go see where you will be sleeping tonight!” and he went right with them. This was a two-night trial to see how it went and it went well. We went back to pick Craig up and they said that they thought he would fit right in with the rest of the residents. After which, they took one look at our faces and said, "let's talk about this". They could tell that this decision was what we needed to do and wanted to do but it frightened us to death. This was the hardest decision we had ever made. They talked to us and gave us time to think. They assured us that they would take good care of Craig and that he would be all right. We thought and prayed and decided that this did feel right. So Craig moved to Beardstown and we didn't get a block away before we pulled over and just cried. Craig did absolutely great adjusting to his new home. He had I 5 new friends and seemed content with this change in his life. The staff at Beardstown kept us very much in the loop as to what was going on with Craig. They were wonderful with him. Craig will never want to be actively involved in a lot of group activities but he seems to be content with his life there at Beardstown. Beardstown Terrace probably saved my sanity and gave Craig a safe and caring new home. Craig is now 35. Joe and I feel that Craig is very well taken care of and by caring people. It is a nice home and the staff always makes us feel welcome and that they care about our son. We have peace of mind knowing that Craig is well taken care and that he is content with his life. Thank you Beardstown staff for giving us that peace of mind.
Margaret & Joe