|
It’s been 20 years since CLO’s first community
living residence, Conser House, opened to provide services
for adults with severe developmental disabilities. The formal
dedication was held on May 1, 1983, after six years of hard
work by CLO’s founders to start local residential options
for people who might have otherwise had to turn to state-operated
institutions to get the care and support they needed.
Steve Peine was one of the first to move in to Conser House
in an eclectic downtown Overland Park neighborhood. His parents
chose Conser House to be his home away from home because they
wanted him to be able to stay in the community, close to his
family.
The Peine family is closeknit, and Steve has been a part
of all aspects of their family life. He has always had a special
relationship with his brothers and sister, said his parents,
Milt and Norma Peine of Overland Park. This has not changed
in the 20 years since Steve moved into Conser House, and he
visits his family often.
|
“He always enjoys returning to Conser after being in
our home for overnight stays, though,” said Steve’s
parents. “Conser House has been a wonderful home for
Steve to grow to become more independent and share in fellowship
with his friends.”
The neighborhood around Conser House includes small businesses,
little ranch houses built in the 1950s, and historic homes
dating back to Overland Park’s earliest days. While Steve
may have grown over the last 20 years, Conser House and the
surrounding neighborhood remain much the same.
“We haven’t seen that many changes,” said
Milt and Norma Peine, “and the changes that have been
made have been positive and for the good of the people who
live there. Conser House has been a well-kept home.”
|
