How Shared Living program leads to extraordinary growth

This piece is sponsored by LifeScape.

Sharing life experiences, increasing quality of life for people with disabilities — that’s the heart of LifeScape’s Shared Living program. For families like Julie Nelson’s, it’s life-changing.

Nelson’s son, Kenny, has experienced severe anxiety and behavioral challenges since childhood. He was hospitalized for behavioral health and admitted for residential placement out of state.

“We were told he was never coming home,” Nelson recalled.

But she refused to give up.

“I knew that with the right supports and services, he could live his best life,” she said.

In 2020, Nelson was introduced to LifeScape.

“They reviewed his application, and while Kenny Nelson may not have looked great on paper, they still wanted to meet him. For the first time in years, someone truly listened to me and wanted my son to live his best life.”

Kenny Nelson became LifeScape’s first enrollee in the Shared Living program, which launched shortly after South Dakota added it as an option under the CHOICES Medicaid waiver.

How Shared Living works

Shared Living providers open their homes — and their lives — to a person with a disability, becoming part of their extended family. Both relatives and nonrelatives can serve as providers.

Amy Hoekstra, LifeScape’s director of adult case management and day services, has been with the organization for three decades and has watched the program flourish.

“When we started, we supported eight people. Now, we’re approaching 50,” she said.

“The growth is fueled by the state’s tiered service model, which makes the program accessible to more people, and by word of mouth from families who share their positive experiences.”

This rapid expansion has required adding more Shared Living supervisors like Jeremy Schaefer, who stepped into the role nine months ago after more than a decade at LifeScape.

“Shared Living allows people to maintain natural relationships throughout their lives,” he said. “They’re supported by people who truly know and love them.”

Impact across the state

The program serves people in Sioux Falls, Rapid City and rural communities. Even from across the state, Nelson said LifeScape has been there for her family. “They provided education, resources and support for me and my husband,” she said.

Another parent, Tavia Wilson, said her son Jack has thrived in the program.

“His quality of life has increased tremendously,” she said.

Jack Wilson has been able to join activities that matter deeply to him, like volunteering with the American Legion.

“He has three grandfathers who served our country, and while he can’t follow in their footsteps, volunteering, participating in color guard and spending time with Post 15 members means the world to him,” Wilson said.

Thanks to Shared Living, Jack Wilson also takes martial arts classes that have improved his anxiety, coordination and confidence. “He’s learning to control his emotions, and it’s made a huge difference,” she said.

A win for families and staff

For LifeScape’s staff, Shared Living is just as rewarding.

“The people we support make every day meaningful,” Hoekstra said.

Schaefer agreed.

“Everyone wants to be loved and understood — Shared Living makes that possible.”

For parents like Nelson and Wilson, the program has exceeded expectations — two families among dozens seeing the life-changing impact of Shared Living every day.

“I’m thankful every day,” Nelson said. “Each morning when my son wakes up, I see the results. LifeScape listened, saw what an amazing person he is and gave us a chance.”

 “If my son were in a group home, so many of these opportunities wouldn’t be possible,” Wilson added. “Shared Living allows him to reach his potential and live a life filled with quality experiences.”

To learn more, visit LifeScape’s Shared Living program.