Before Loren came to Wingspan his life was very bleak. He lived in a facility where he spent most of his time in his pea green bedroom that was furnished with a mattress covered only with a plastic cover, a plastic encased pillow, a dresser and a hospital swing table that were both broken.

Wingspan was asked by his county case manager to visit him for possible placement in one of our homes. Therese visited him and found him looking very sad sitting on his bed in the scene described above. However, when she greeted him, he turned to look at her and returned the greeting with a big, beautiful smile. This visit convinced Therese that Loren belonged at Wingspan.

Therese contacted Loren’s case manager and set the wheels in motion to get him into a Wingspan home. Knowing it would take awhile for Loren’s paperwork to be completed, Shelda, the house coordinator where Loren would be living, was mobilized to get to know Loren. Shelda fell in love with Loren and his infectious smile in minutes. She continued to visit him almost every day and he began to call her his girl. By the time Loren moved into his new Wingspan home a few weeks later, he and Shelda had a strong bond that continues to this day.

Life changed dramatically for Loren the day he moved into his beautiful new home in Roseville. He already had his good friend Shelda whom he already knew he could count on as he walked through the door. The doors were about to open for a whole new world for him.

Loren often spoke of his brother that he had been separated from since their childhood. Shelda diligently did the work of finding Loren’s lost brother and after years and years of separation they were reunited. The reunion was shy and took great courage from both of them. They have now resumed their relationship as brothers and regularly spend time together.

Today, Loren has many friends, and is frequently seen at social gatherings. His big, beautiful smile touches anyone he meets. He has a bright yellow bedroom decorated with his favorite things, and furnishings that are clean, comfortable, and in excellent condition.

This is only one of many stories of the love and caring people served by Wingspan receive in order that they are fully engaged in their community and lead full, happy lives. Through your involvement, you can also make an impact on people and put smiles on many a face!

Services Offered By Wingspan Life Resources:
*Residential: services and support to 100 adults with developmental disabilities in 24 residential homes located throughout the Twin Cities.
*In-home: services and support to adults with disabilities who live in their own homes.
*Three Directions Employment and Alternative: Individually designed services for adults with disabilities seeking retirement activity, volunteerism, and/or paid employment.
*Tsev Laus Kaj Siab: services and support provided at our culturally specific day program for adults from the Hmong community who are elderly or disabled.