Our Story
A Promise Made
More Than Forty Years Ago
ABLE began with a small group of parents who believed their adult children deserved more than institutional care.
They deserved a home.
A place where they would be safe, known, valued, and cared for.
A Home,
Not an Institution
Lore Radisch, ABLE founding parent, whose daughter lives at ABLE today
ABLE began with a small group of parents who believed their children deserved more than institutional care. They deserved a home. A place where they would be safe, known, valued, and cared for. This desire for a different kind of living experience, one rooted in community and connection, became the driving force behind everything that followed.
So they created one.
From left: Pearl Loustalot, John & Barbara Sciutto, founding parents
Penny Kelly, ABLE founding parent, whose son still calls ABLE home
1984–85: A Vision Takes Shape
The families begin organizing
and find 25 De Anza Way.
Guiding Values
The founding parents establish the values and principles that guide the vision of care for their loved ones.
The House that Became a Home
"De Anza House" at the beginning
1985: Finding the way forward
April, 1985 — The Doors Open
De Anza House opens, allowing adults who had been living in state hospitals to move into a home-based community.
Mike Kelly, above is a current ABLE resident
Terry Jones, above is a current
ABLE Board Member
A Philosophy That Still Guides Us
More than forty years ago, a foundational belief system was written to ensure the dignity of every resident. These core principles remain at the heart of everything we do today.
“ABLE residents are first and foremost adult citizens
with the same rights and responsibilities as all citizens.”
“The Health, Welfare, Dignity and Happiness of individual
clients shall be the prime motivating factor of ABLE at all times.”
More than forty years later, the language has evolved.
The commitment has not.
Together, we create a culture of care and belonging.
The Promise Continues
A Broader Living Experience continues to evolve as a relationship-centered community.
We are honored to provide a home where residents are known, valued,
and cared for throughout their adult lives.
What began with a handful of parents has become a community spanning generations of residents, families, caregivers, board members, partners, and friends.
The home they imagined is still here. And the promise continues.