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By Laura Waldron

It’s estimated that between 6-10% of the United States population has intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), yet many Americans either know very little about people with disabilities, or have a low level of comfort interacting with persons with disabilities. With limited residential options after high school graduation and high unemployment rates (14%), people with disabilities face more challenges than their peers. In fact, approximately 50% of adults with disabilities reported feeling lonely. And only half of adults with IDD have input into where they live; often governmental benefits dictate or narrow their options. In addition, with higher unemployment rates and a lack of inclusion in the workplace, even when they have the ability to make their own choices, young adults with IDD find finances a significant challenge.

Brenda Warner, a best-selling author, former U.S. Marine and a philanthropist, calls on others to share their blessings with the disability community. As a mother of seven and thoughtful storyteller, Brenda candidly shares her life experiences to help other women—especially as it relates to challenges she faced with her son Zachary, who suffered from a traumatic brain injury as a baby. Throughout the years Brenda and her husband Kurt (former NFL quarterback and current NFL sportscaster) experienced extreme highs and lows but their faith and family held everything together. Today, she shares her message of hope and her charitable work to inspire others around her.

It’s the vision of Kurt and Brenda, who believe all people, regardless of ability, have a call for their lives, and the ability to participate in meaningful and challenging activities when they’re provided with appropriate support. The Warners have been amazed by their son Zachary’s accomplishments, despite the diagnoses and labels given to him as a young adult with disabilities. Their love for Zack has given them the passion to create Treasure House, a non-profit organization.

The first Treasure House is projected to break ground later this summer as a supportive living community for young adults with IDD. It will feature 30 individual apartment units for adults with disabilities and live-in community assistants, along with shared common areas such as a large community kitchen, living room, and recreational spaces. The residents will be a cohort of peers, ages 19-35, who share common interests and an active, healthy lifestyle. Individuals with IDD will have opportunities to achieve their full potential from Treasure House’s welcoming community, social integration and intentional programming.

 

So join Treasure House for a special fundraising luncheon on March 30, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. MST at Arrowhead Country Club in Glendale, Ariz. This beautiful event will feature two influential women in the Valley who will share details on how faith, love and strength inspire them and how all people, regardless of ability, have a purpose in life. Co-founder of Treasure House, Brenda, and CBS 5's Tara Hitchcock will offer attendees an opportunity to hear about how they can support the organization’s mission to provide a living environment where young adults with IDD can achieve independence and realize their life purpose.

Guests will also have a chance to take in spectacular views of the Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course at Arrowhead and enjoy a delicious lunch. Sponsored by Sands Chevrolet, Liberty Buick GMC, HomeBridge and TFO Phoenix, Inc. this fundraiser will give young adults with IDD a chance to pursue autonomy through employment, education and service. The public is encouraged to purchase tickets by March 23 at http://bit.ly/1UnrOft.

For additional information, please contact Development Director, Lisa Hartsock, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.treasurehouse.org

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