A Home of His Own - Iain's Best Life

Iain is a 30-year-old man who was born and raised in the community of Newcastle, ON. Iain has severe autism and has lived his whole life under the care of his mum, Frances Mallon. Iain regularly walks through his community and is known by neighbours and business owners alike–relationships such as these add safety and security to Iain’s life. Iain loves a daily opportunity to swim and be outdoors. Iain is a joyful person, loves music and is deeply loved by his mother and family.

Iain’s family and close caregivers believe that for Iain to live his best life, it's important he experience greater freedom and independence to live in a space of his own in his community of Newcastle, close to his mother who remains his anchor. Having separate spaces is imperative for both their well-being as is remaining in the community where Iain knows and is known to others.

Iain’s life has been closely tied to that of his mother, out of necessity for safety and support, and neither one has had the opportunity to live more independently and explore potential pathways for their future. The family is working to establish a safe space for Iain to live where he can still be close to his mum without Fran having to continue to fulfill the caregiving and coordinating roles that she has played for so many years.

The family has not been able to identify any suitable or affordable places for Iain to live. After much care in consideration and consultation with provincial support services, the family believes the most affordable and sensible option is to renovate the family home to add an attached unit in which Iain can live supported by a team of caregivers.

Routine is incredibly important to Iain's success, and while moving into a new part of the house will be challenging for him, that's the ultimate goal for both his and Fran's well-being.

Ongoing costs to support Iain live his best life are substantial. Adding the renovation costs, it becomes unmanageable. The family hopes that friends, family, and neighbours that know Iain and Fran, will contribute a small donation to help with this plan. Please help Iain to live his life in a location where he can continue to walk around the town he's grown up in, smile at the faces he's grown up around, and be safe and cared for.

All funds will go directly towards constructing a place for Iain to live where he can be at home and be happy.