Looking for the best the world has to offer can be challenging amid life’s struggles. For many, there can be an attitude that ‘the grass is always greener over there.’
However, there is a special place, locally, that makes the world much better for those struggling with developmental disabilities. Westonwood Ranch is not only a place that equips lives for success, but is a working farm that combines love and experiential learning for each participant.
Westonwood Ranch is located on State Hwy 20 West outside of Freeport. Recently, the Day Tripper from Mid Bay News visited Westonwood Ranch, a beautiful 40-acre farm designed to transform the lives of those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) refer to a group of conditions that begin during the developmental period and typically continue lifelong. These disabilities can affect how a person thinks, learns, and interacts with others. The two main types are intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center Examples of IDD include: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and Fragile X.
In today’s world, almost everyone knows a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor who has a ‘loved one’ impacted by IDD. On this Daytripper journey, Mid Bay News met Lindy Wood, who is the Founder and Director of Westonwood Ranch. Just as the natural beauty and heart of this thriving and robust community, there is a vision that rests in the heart of a mother (Lindy Wood), determined to see the “individual participant” find greater independence and live to their highest potential.
The name Westonwood Ranch was named for Lindy and Jason Wood’s son, Weston, who was diagnosed with IDD as an infant. Lindy expressed the challenges that can be overwhelming for a parent when they learn that ‘life’ as initially anticipated will be much different, and in ways far more complex and challenging than ever imagined. At the time of Weston’s birth, the Woods had two older children, and when they learned about Weston’s developmental disability, Lindy was pregnant with their fourth child. Wood shared her family’s process of acceptance, then the steps they took to move forward with care for Weston and to envision a way to walk this journey, while also calling for a positive impact on many families. Westonwood’s founder understood this to be her primary call. Through her vision, Lindy Wood not only transformed Weston’s future but also the lives of many in the Mid Bay region.
The founder shared an experience of taking “little Weston” to therapy (around 24 months), and she remembers watching the practitioner working intently with her child. Wood said she felt so alone and overwhelmed because of the road that she saw ahead of her, family and Weston. Soon after that, Wood met other moms who had been traveling her same route for a very long time with their own children. She met with a very helpful and encouraging support group who not only understood her journey but were willing to be present and pray for her on her journey with Weston.
A common problem across most of the country is the termination of state services when the child ‘ages out.’ With IDD, there is no graduation or end to the disability – it is lifelong. So what is a parent or guardian to do?
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A small community like Westonwood Ranch changes the trajectory and the quality of life for a teenager/young adult with IDD is remarkable. Lives are transformed! Students and future residents at Westonwood Ranch move from more limited possibilities to transformed lives – making substantial achievements – stepping outside of “the box” that society seems to place individuals with learning disabilities.
Westonwood Ranch is not only beautiful – it is a place for building skills and transforming lives. Students from Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay Counties attend the current ‘day’ programs that train participants in initiatives such as Independent Living Skills Training, Vocational Training, and Job Readiness. These programs are currently offered Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 2:30.
But one of the most significant concerns parents and family members have is – What happens regarding the long-term care of my child, especially when caregivers and support systems cannot provide the needed care? According to Wood, a plan is needed, and “Westonwood Ranch is the ‘bridge’ that will be here when all the other services are cut off.”
Wood took time to share one of the small miracles that continue to happen at “the Ranch.” She shared a personal story about Weston (now 15), who is non-verbal. She said that as a guardian for children with developmental disabilities, it is easy to focus on “everything that he [she was speaking of Weston] is not going to be able to do.” She said that over the last year, Weston has participated in ‘Living Skills Training.’ At home, Lindy noticed one day [around lunch time] that Weston went to the refrigerator and took out a meal that was ready to heat and eat. He put the meal in the microwave, and he made lunch – all by himself. With joy and thanksgiving, Lindy said, “Weston making that meal was so liberating because it was a multi-step process just like brushing teeth or putting on shoes.” She was overjoyed by the progress that Weston had made at the ranch named in his honor.
At Westonwood Ranch, Clinical Director Janet Becker believes these young adults are capable of so much more than we know or imagine. “Yes, we are going to guide them along the way to make independent decisions and give power back to them. [Our goal is] Building independent and wonderful people for a productive future.”
The good news is that Westonwood Ranch is in a significant development phase. Daily living skills and vocational training are proven successes, with demand for openings by IDD individuals across our panhandle region. While speaking with Lindy Wood, she expressed that there is a much greater need for “participant slots” at Westonwood Ranch than there are available openings. However, the greater need in the coming years will be “lifelong caregiving.” When parents and siblings are no longer available to provide care at home, a critical need for a “a safe, structured and enriching environment” arises for young adults who will need care when mom and dad are gone.
Wood said, This 24/7 – 365 day a year community “is about growth. Many young adults with disabilities can grow to their level of independence when given the right opportunities…The mission of Westonwood Ranch is to allow residents to develop functional life skills at their own pace…It is about ushering our children to the next phase in life – to guide them from our protected parental nest to opportunities that allow them to spread their wings.”
The estimated cost for Phase 1 of “Building a Place to Grow” will provide long-term housing, structure, and opportunities for 44 young adults with disabilities. All dwelling units have private bedrooms and bathrooms and multiple common spaces for shared activities.
When Mid Bay News interviewed Lindy Wood, she reported that plans and the ability to move forward with the housing wing of the campus are in the formative planning stages. She reported that of the $7 million needed to complete Phase 1 of expansion, over $5.1 million has been raised. Mrs. Wood said that she welcomes those from the community who want to learn more about this capital campaign. Everyone is encouraged to reach out to her at westonwoodranch@gmail.com. Those who would like to set up an appointment to visit the Ranch are encouraged to email or call the office main line at (850) 880-2220. Westonwood Ranch is located at 4390 Highway 20 West. Visitors are encouraged to schedule an appointment prior to visiting.
Because the need is so great for current “life skills and vocational” training, and also creating a home for long-term care, is the vision for the future of Westonwood Ranch. The completed Phase 1 of this beautiful ranch will be a great example for other communities throughout the country.
This is a great beginning. The community is encouraged to participate with any financial contribution – no gift is too small. Lindy closed her visit with Mid Bay News, saying, “Our community’s investment helps Westonwood Ranch plant the seeds for a future where every individual can reach their full potential. Westonwood Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Editor’s Note: Steven Saul, reporter for Mid Bay News, is a financial contributor to Westonwood Ranch.
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