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History

The SHARE Foundation / Mission & Vision / History

History of the SHARE Foundation for the Handicapped

The 70’s: The Beginning of the Movement

When the husky white-haired man stood up to speak, he commanded the attention of all those present. His questions, delivered in a loud and clear voice, were almost always exactly the same challenging words: “What are you going to do for my daughter? How are you going to help my family and others like us?” The man’s name was Carl Lustig. He and his wife were the parents of Bill and Nancy, two other-abled young adults. Bill attended a workshop during the day, but Nancy, who was both physically and mentally disabled, was confined to her home. She was dependent on her parents to supply her every need. Carl and his wife had devoted their lives to caring for Bill and Nancy. Now, with advancing age, they were growing increasingly worried about how they would be able to continue to cope with this overwhelming responsibility.

Father Blaney HistoryCarl worked tirelessly to get programs and services established. The County Commissioners were approached for funding. When meetings were held where civic leaders or politicians would be in attendance, Carl made it a point to be there to present his questions. Other parents were contacted to join in. Wherever and whenever opportunities were available, he would be there. It seemed unlikely, however, that Carl could have predicted what was to follow after he approached Father Dennis Blaney for help.

For a number of years, Father Blaney had been in charge of the Apostolate for the Handicapped. Up until the time he met Carl, the services of this agency were church related. Through Father Blaney’s many contacts with families of the other-abled, he knew and could understand the burden parents faced. In most cases, their suffering was done in silence, but a number of parents chose to confide in Father Blaney. They told him of their worries, their frustrations, and their feelings of isolation. Father Blaney recognized the same desperation in Carl’s words. They were not only questions, but also pleas for help. At this point, Father Blaney became determined that his work must be extended into the general community to serve all those in need, regardless of their religious affiliation.

SHARE Foundation for the HandicappedIn 1977, under the direction of Father Blaney, a group of parents of the other-abled joined together to form the Protective Services Board. The main purpose of the board was to find ways to provide help and services to the other-abled and their families. In the following year (1978), the Friends Club was started. Over the years, this organization has been a major source of funding for various programs and activities of many agencies. Even today, their timely newsletter arrives promptly at the start of each month, informing members of the lucky winners for that month. More names are added to the membership roster each year. According to Father Blaney, “the friends in the Friends Club are the best friends in the world”.

The most notable contribution made by the Protective Services Board was the survey conducted by the group to determine the needs and priorities of the families of the other-abled. The results indicated that the number one need was relief for the constant caring provided by other-abled family members. In some families, the parents lived a life of almost virtual confinement because there was no other dependable caregiver available. This became the first area to establish services for. The Protective Services Board was disbanded following completion of survey documentation. A new board was then formed, with some of the same members from the Protective Services Board. Their purpose would be to address and implement the training of capable care providers to serve the families of the other-abled. And with this, the movement had begun!

The 80’s: Growth and Development

An organization entitled Respite Care Services for the Handicapped was incorporated in 1980. The board consisted of the parents of the other-abled as well as members of the community who, while not having an other-abled child or relative, were interested in making a commitment to what they believed was a greatly needed service. Father Blaney served as president of the board. This agency experienced growth from the very beginning. Staff was added and eventually a full-time director was hired. Funding came from the Friends Club, the Knights of Columbus, as well as local and state grants. This service continues today, now called Respite Care of Lake County. In fact, senior citizens are now included in those being served through this organization. Care is provided for a few hours or up to two weeks.
The SHARE Foundation in the 80sIn 1982, SHARE Foundation with the Handicapped was founded. It supported small agencies that worked primarily with handicapped people. SHARE Foundation gave, through its support of these agencies, much help to the other-abled. An increase in direct service was noticed and, because of the support of the agency, the board and staff could concentrate on providing quality service. A board of directors was formed, overseeing the Foundation, with the same composition of members as with Respite Care Services.

SHARE’s Programs Grow

SHARE offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to other-abled adults throughout the year including:

Values Retreats

SHARE RetreatsOur Mini-Camps have been in existence since the early 1980’s. Mini-Camps are held one weekend each month throughout the year and provide invaluable support, enjoyment, and encouragement to attendees over the age of 18.

Summer Camp

SHARE Summer CampsOur Summer Camps are held each June and July in five weeklong sessions. Traditional camp activities such as barbecues, arts and crafts, and dances provide the other-abled with socialization. Other-abled campers are comprised of culturally diverse groups of men and women, further enriching their camp experience. Most significant, however, are the values discussion groups that allow campers to tap into their most private emotions concerning issues like “forgiveness”, “trust”, or “self-esteem”.

The 90’s Alternate Living: A Dream Becomes Reality

The most far ranging developments thus far have occurred within the past few years. Our plans for alternate living are now reality. Our programs have flourished and will continue to grow and evolve for the future.

The Movement

The “Movement”, as it is referred to here, means “the efforts and results of a group of people working together to bring about some one thing.” Many years have passed since Father Blaney organized a small group of parents of other-abled children to advocate for a support system and support services. Carl Lustig was one representative of a group of parents who were in dire need of help. Carl lived long enough to see care become a reality.

The Mission Share Foundation HistoryThe one constant behind the movement has been the leadership of Father Blaney. Setbacks, disappointments, frustrations, and concerns about funding have confronted him, yet he has persevered through it all. To take that one first step and travel such a great distance in so short a span of years seems almost miraculous. That is, of course, unless one is traveling alongside Father Blaney. He seems to take it all in stride, solving problems that come his way in a sure and steady manner.

The hope of a better future is truly part of the American experience. For the other-abled and their families, that is what the “Movement” is all about. The “some one thing” is the hope and optimism that the future of the other-abled and their families, like the rest of society, can and will be better.

Sharing Meadows Historical Timeline

1991
Early 1991
Land is Purchased
1992
Master Plan is Designed
First road, Mandich Boulevard, is built. Elias Building is constructed for storage.
1993
Tucker Lake is Restocked
Tucker Lake is restocked with fish. Main entrance road, Cidulka Boulevard, is built.
1994
Continued Construction
Three homes are constructed and opened. Fishing shed is constructed next to Tucker Lake.
1995
St. Timothy Center
St. Timothy Center is constructed.
1996
Woodworking
Room constructed in Elias Building for woodworking.
1997
Office Built
Corporate office is built at Sharing Meadows.
1998
Continued Growth
Ceramic studio and computer lab are in operation. Path to campfire is paved. Pump is installed to aerate and control water in Tucker Lake.
1999
3rd Road Built
Third road, Mihalo Boulevard, is built. Three additional homes are constructed
2000
2000
1st Capital Fund Drive
Village of St. Vincent is opened. Conducted first Capital Fund Drive.
2001
Continued Construction
Addition to Elias Building is constructed. St. Timothy Center parking lot is paved. Signs identifying memorial trees and Tucker Lake are installed.
2002
Swimming Pool Added
Swimming pool and Smolen Pool House are constructed.
2003
Signage Installed
Another storage building is constructed."Welcome to Sharing Meadows" signs installed at both entrances. Support Fund is established.
2004
Additional Road
Fourth road, Weis Boulevard, is built. Third village is constructed and opened. Construction begins on the guesthouse.
2005
All Roads Paved
All Sharing Meadows roads are paved. The Forcey House, for guests and visitors, is completed.
2006
Dedication
Mack Boulevard is dedicated.
2007
4th Village
Christenson Boulevard is constructed leading to the 4th village.
2008
St. Jane & St. Joan Opened
Village of St. Jane and St. Joan is opened.
2009
Pier Added

Pier is added to Hog Lake for fishing and boating.

2010
2010
Deck Constructed
Deck is constructed overlooking Hog Lake.
2011
Lake Gazebo

Construction begins on gazebo overlooking Hog Lake.

2012
5th Village Added

The Coleman Gazebo, overlooking Hog Lake is completed. Road is constructed leading to 5th village. Construction begins on 5th village.

2013
St. Mary & St. Joseph Opened

Village of St. Mary & St. Joseph is opened.

2014
Memorial Garden

Memorial Garden is constructed at Sharing Meadows

2015
Senior Center Plans

Preliminary plans are drawn for the Senior Center at Sharing Meadows

2016
Breaking Ground

Ground is broken for the John Largura Family Senior Center

2017
Senior Center Dedication

The John Largura Family Senior Center is constructed and dedicated

2018
Preliminary Plans
Preliminary plans are drawn for the first retirement village
2019
Renovation
Renovation of "A" house
2020
2020
Great Progress

Sharing Meadows has a current value of over $7,000,000! That’s Progress!

2023
Additional Land

15-acres purchased, now totaling almost 200-acres!

The Share Foundation receives no government support whatsoever; we have always relied solely upon private donations and our own fundraising efforts to support our work.