Pocono News Section

Life Sharing Program Helps Adults with Special Needs

Life Sharing Program Helps Adults with Special Needs - Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 3:20PM EST

COOLBAUGH TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - You've probably heard about foster care for children but now there's foster care for adults who have special needs. A family in Monroe County opened their hearts and home to a person with disabilities in Coolbaugh Township.
As Nathan Thomas shows off photos his children and grandchildren, you might notice one looks a little different. His name is Wayne Armstrong. "We treat Wayne like he's our son," said Nathan.

Wayne is living with Nathan and Sarah Thomas as part of a life sharing program through the Devereux Foundation. Tina Skoda is the Director of Operations for the Devereux Pocono Center. She said, "Life Sharing is kind of like foster care but it's for adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities."

The program helps people move out of group housing and become more independent. The Thomas family supports Wayne and helps him reach his goals. Wayne said his goals are, "cooking, getting my own place and money management."

As part of the family, Wayne has to do chores. He's responsible for cleaning his bedroom and his bathroom.

"There has been a tremendous amount of growth that we've seen," said Nathan.

Wayne calls his foster parents mom and dad. He explained, "They treat me like a mom and dad does and they treat me like nice people."

And the couple is glad to call Wayne their son. Nathan laughed, "Wayne could be here until God comes!"

Two big hearts helping one special person reach his goal of living on his own some day. "I could feel like a regular person in my own place," said Wayne.

Life Sharing families are paid a per diem rate for their help. For information on how you can get involved call 570-676-4118 or visit .