When Father Blaney entered a room, 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 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bill attended a workshop during the day, but Nancy, who was 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.
Carl 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.
In 1977, under the direction of Father Blaney, a group of parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities 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 individuals with diabilities 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 of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The results indicated that the number one need was relief for the constant caring provided by 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 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And with this, the movement had begun!
An organization entitled Respite Care Services for the Handicapped was incorporated in 1980. The board consisted of the parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as members of the community who, while not having a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities 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 was provided for a few hours or up to two weeks.
In 1982, SHARE Foundation with the Handicapped was founded. It supported small agencies that worked primarily with people with intellectua and developmental disabilities. SHARE Foundation gave, through its support of these agencies, much help to the individuals with disabilities. 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.
Our 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. 
Our Summer Camps are held each June and July in six weeklong sessions. Traditional camp activities such as barbecues, arts and crafts, and dances fosters community for our friends. 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-estee
The most far ranging developments thus far have occurred in the 1990’s. Our plans for alternate living became a reality. Our programs have flourished and will continue to grow and evolve for the future.
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 children with intellectual and developmental disabilities 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 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 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities 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.