A Love Story: Matt and Michelle’s Professional Parenting Journey
At RISE Services, Inc. Utah, we’ve seen firsthand how becoming a professional parent for children or adults living intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) can be an enriching experience. That’s especially true for Matt and Michelle, who have spent more than two decades as professional parents. Their story gives us a glimpse into how opening their heart and their home has had a profound impact on their lives and the lives of the individuals in their care.
How It All Started
Matt and Michelle’s journey into professional parenting began after they decided to take a break from working with at-risk youth. They first heard about becoming professional parents on the radio.
Knowing that supporting individuals with IDD requires commitment, they connected with RISE Services, Inc. Utah to get the support they needed to start the journey. Their motivation was their passion for helping others and their desire to find an individual they could support alongside raising their biological children.
Embracing the Challenge
Becoming host home parents came with its fair share of challenges. New responsibilities, like adapting their home environment for the individual in their care and learning how to practice patience, seemed daunting at first. However, with guidance and support from RISE Services, Inc. Utah, Matt and Michelle embraced these challenges and have never looked back.
The Rewards Outweigh the Challenges
Matt and Michelle quickly discovered the joy and fulfillment that professional parenting can offer. Michelle explains. “To watch him enjoy the simple things in life has brought so much joy to us.”
Their biological children have also learned invaluable lessons in empathy and kindness. After witnessing his son standing up for the individual in their care, Matt had a profound realization. He explains, “Seeing my son teach another individual to treat people with respect and love regardless of their challenges was a powerful statement to me that we’re doing the right thing by having a foster child in our home.”
It’s a Community Effort
Matt and Michelle’s success isn’t possible without the strong sense of community fostered by RISE Services, Inc. Utah. They’re able to engage with other families and professionals, sharing experiences, advice, and mutual support.
They also have access to the resources they need, including respite care. This means that when they plan a vacation or need a date night, other families in the community provide care.
Advice for Aspiring Professional Parents
If you’re considering becoming a professional parent, Matt and Michelle offer some practical advice. They suggest first finding opportunities to work with children or adults with IDD before making a long-term parenting commitment. Michelle says, “If you’re ready to learn and grow and become a better person yourself, what better opportunity to do that than to open your home to someone.”
Professional parenting offers unique and powerful opportunities to make a lasting impact on the lives of children or adults with IDD. If you’re interested in learning more about how to get involved, contact RISE Utah for more information today!
