Our Story

Shaun was diagnosed with Autism in 2003, when he was just three years old. At the time, we had no idea the journey we were about to begin.

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From the very beginning, autism was a mystery. When we asked what caused it, there were no clear answers. What we were told, with certainty, was that there was no cure. At that time, autism affected 1 in 175 children. Today, it is 1 in 31 - and 1 in 20 boys. While research has advanced and awareness has grown, one critical question remains painfully unresolved: What happens then these children become adults - especially those who cannot safely live on there own?

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As Shaun approached adulthood, we were faced with the reality many families quietly carry: He may never be able to live independently, care for himself fully, or keep himself safe. We have family who love him deeply - but not the level of support required for his long-term care.

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So we searched, first locally, then nationally. What we found was heartbreaking. There were no truly appropriate housing options - and those that came close had waitlists up to 15 years long. So, we waited.

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In 2017, something shifted. I came across an interniew where Jenny Mccarthy was speaking about a community in Tennessee designed for individuals with autism. For the first time, I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time; Hope. But what truly ignited that hope was something she said about her own son- a truth so many parents carry but rarely say out loud: "The name of my next book is going to have to be "I Can't Die".

I reached out immediately, asking for any guidance on how something like this could be built in Minnesota. They responded with generosity and openness, offering to share what they could once their community was complete. I was still waiting...but I was no longer still.

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From that point forward, I searched with purpose. Eventually, I found a groundbreaking study between leading institutions including Arizona State University and the Autism Housing Network. Through rigorous research, they created a shared framework - one that aligned families, service providers, developers, and policymakers. For the first time, the vision had a structure. There was a path forward. And I believed deeply that this path could lead us home.

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But even with a path - something remained. The emotional weight of doing this alone. The quiet isolation so many families feel. The underlying fear for the future.

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Then, in August of 2024, things shifted again. I watched an interview with Colin Farrell, as he spoke about launching a foundation inspired by his son. He shared how grateful he was to have the resources and support to care for him. My imediate thought was; "That's beautiful...but we don't have millions of dollars to build a team like that." and then, just as quickly, something deeper responded: "Not alone...But Together."

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That moment changed everything. Because the solution was never meant to be built alone. It was meant to be built in community. By December 2024, Unity Communities was born. Not just as an idea - but as a commitment. A commitment to families who have carried this uncertainty for far too long. A commitment to building something that does not yet exist - but it deeply needed.

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Unity Communties exists to bring people together - families, partners, investors, and advocates - to create new pathways forward. Because no one should have to ask: "What happens when I'm no longer here?" And no one shoud have to answer that question alone.