For a little over five years, Amy Bateman has been a resident at the Sunshine Communities home in Walbridge, where she has been able to create bonds with her peers and enjoy herself.
Sunshine Communities is a nonprofit in northwest Ohio that supports and empowers those with developmental disabilities.
Representatives at Sunshine said Bateman, who is non-verbal, has a positive and upbeat personality, loves being involved in activities and community events, enjoys staying active and loves connecting with others.
Sunshine’s manager of program services Rebecca Cairl said Bateman loves being outdoors.
“If you really want to find her, she is usually outside on the patio,” Cairl said.
Cairl also said that Bateman, who graduated high school two years ago, loves listening to Taylor Swift’s music and enjoys watching movies, as she recently went to watch Toy Story 5 in theaters.
“If I could afford to take her to a [Taylor Swift] concert, I definitely would,” Cairl said.
Throughout the week, Bateman and other Sunshine residents spend their time at the vocational center. According to Sunshine’s website, individuals who participate in the activities within the vocational programs are supported by direct support professionals, job coaches and behavior technicians. They’re placed into groups that fit each individual’s needs.
“It’s basically day programming. It’s one big building, but they do different activities,” Sunshine’s director of marketing and communications Mallory Crooks said. “If you wanted to go to an art class, you can engage in that, or you can stay back and do a puzzle or do an activity in the [main] room.”
After having been a Sunshine resident for over five years, Cairl said that Bateman has become more connected with the staff.
“We are her family,” Cairl said.