At Wester Home, community involvement is very important to us because we believe every individual should be seen, valued, and included equally. Our residents enjoy being part of their neighborhood and creating meaningful connections with others in the community. Something as simple as sharing coffee and conversation can bring people together in a special way.

Over time, residents began noticing a bright pink cart across the street during mornings and afternoons as staff and residents came and went from the home. The residents were curious and excited about what was being sold from the trailer. Once the residents discovered the trailer belonged to Cafecito, a coffee shop on the go offering hot and cold beverages, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and specialty items, excitement quickly grew throughout the home.

I, as the Administrator, encouraged community connection by having staff introduce themselves to our neighbors and share that the residents were interested in learning more about the business. To celebrate the beginning of summer and strengthen community relationships, Wester Home hosted a Pre-Summer Picnic Kickoff and invited Cafecito to cater the event. Cafecito shared that they had been wanting to introduce themselves more within the neighborhood and were thrilled for the opportunity to participate. They even created a special menu for the event, adding delicious breakfast sandwiches and their featured croissant lunch sandwich for everyone to enjoy. The mobile coffee cart parked directly in front of the home, giving residents the full outdoor picnic café experience.

The event brought together residents, family, friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, staff, and neighboring homes for a day filled with laughter, games, conversation, and socializing. Residents expressed how much they enjoyed the coffee beverages and shared that they hoped to continue supporting Cafecito in the future.

At Wester Home, we believe it is important for company homes to come together because our residents view one another as family. Although they often see each other in passing during church activities and community outings, events like this allow everyone the opportunity to truly connect, build friendships, and strengthen their sense of belonging. This aligns with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, specifically the third tier: love and belonging. This also supports Salem’s mission which is to provide a Christ-centered residential living environment where people with developmental disabilities can thrive and enjoy life.  

One of the most meaningful parts of the day was seeing the neighborhood come together alongside our residents. Nearby neighbors stopped to watch and engage with the group, and even the community mail carrier came over to say hello and socialize. The event created an open, welcoming environment that encouraged inclusion and community interaction for individuals with disabilities.

The day was filled with smiles, hugs, laughter, and heartfelt conversations. It was a joyful reminder that meaningful community involvement creates lasting memories and helps everyone feel connected, appreciated, and included.

Hebrews 10:24-25:"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."
‍Psalm 133:1:"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"
‍Ephesians 2:19:"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household."