Love is in the air, and we believe everyone deserves the chance to experience it. We support our residents in dating and romantic relationships. Having a disability doesn’t mean you don’t have emotions or attractions. Movies like High School Musical, Grease, or the Disney princess movies have shaped love wishes and been favorite soundtracks for many of our Salem ladies just like the rest of us. Crushes, flirting, break-ups… they aren’t indifferent to Salem. We know that connection and chemistry are natural parts of life! When a relationship is loving, respectful, and brings joy to both people, Salem is here to encourage it and provide support every step of the way.

We wanted to share with our readers what it means to be in a relationship at Salem. What better way than to interview our couples together! Here are six of our beloved Salem couples who were interviewed at our last big Salem event. Click here to watch

Salem couples live in different Salem homes and love every opportunity to see each other! Debbie and Josh shared that church is their favorite place to go together. They get to sit by each other and worship together! Other couples like Alex and Blaize work at the same day program and like to get hot chocolate together at their work’s coffee shop. Others enjoy when Salem has our community-wide events where all the homes get together. And all the couples loved sharing how talking on the phone is a favorite pastime! When asked to describe why they care for their significant other… well, Blaize melts us all when he shares about the “bump bump bump” his heart does for his gal.

Scripture tells us truth, “We know we can love because He first loved us,” 1 John 4:19. Enjoy this summary from each of the video interviews.

Ramona and Rob Whenever Casa Puente and Palm Place are at the same place, you will find Ramona and Rob side by side. “We are good together,” this sweet couple shared. They call each other “my honey,” enjoy going out together, and talking on the phone, but their favorite pastime? DANCING! Every time they get together, they have to dance. They have some good moves together and are a joy to watch!  

Robbie and Laura Laura got a little shy when the video was on but Robbie sums it up at the end of video again… “I love Laura. She is my heart. I love to make her happy.”  

Kim and Robert Kim and Robert B. have been together for eight years. Kim loves how Robert is fun to be with. Robert says Kim is funny and loves to talk to her on the phone. “She doesn’t get mad, ever,” Robert shares. Their advice for other couples? Stay together, don’t fight, laugh a lot!  

Cheryl and Ken One of the most familiar and longest known couples at Salem is Ken and Cheryl! Clear that their love is strong as they held hands their entire video clip. Cheryl is “lovable”! Ken is a true “gentleman” (had their anniversary memorized). These two support each other and their loyalty runs deep.  

Debbie and Josh Debbie and Josh showed us their photo together from the photobooth. They loved that they each got a copy to bring home. Debbie shared how Josh is cute and gives good hugs. He likes her smile, laugh, and loves how she treats him. They enjoy going to church together. They like to worship together at CrossPoint. Even though they go with different Salem homes, they love to go sit by each other. They both love Pastor Don! This couple’s smiles were contagious.  

Blaize and Alex Blaize and Alex are a newer couple at Salem. They get to hang out at day program. When asked, how does Blaize treat you, Alex? “He gets me hot chocolate at work!” Blaize smiled from ear to ear and said, “Alex is beautiful and makes my heart goes bump bump.” We agreed this is a good thing! When asked about what they would want others to know about their relationship, they shared some great couple’s advice. “Our relationship is strong! We don’t fight. We are friends. Take it slow. Friends first, then boyfriend and girlfriend!”  

There you have it. Couples 101 and exclusive interviews with a few of our Salem couples. Wishing you all love this Valentine’s Day from your friends, family or your significant other.