Our son Roman is 24 years old. We adopted him from Russia when he was almost two years old, and watching him grow into the amazing young man he is today has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.

 

Roman has fetal alcohol syndrome and intellectual disabilities. He cannot read or write, cannot independently manage time or a schedule, and because of his disability, he can be very vulnerable to being taken advantage of. He will always need people in his life who know him, understand his needs, and can help him make good choices and navigate daily life.

 

But those challenges are only one part of who Roman is.

 

Roman has a job at the Oceana golf course that he is very proud of. He is deeply involved in Special Olympics, participates in Young Life, and goes bowling with friends every Monday night. He has friendships, activities, responsibilities and people throughout the community who are important to him. He loves being busy, being around people and feeling like he belongs.

 

We don't simply want Roman to have a safe place to live. We want him to have a full life. We want him to have friends, meaningful relationships, choices, purpose and opportunities to continue participating in the broader community.

 

That is why Vanguard Landing is so important to our family.