Our Story

A Place to Thrive:

The Garlyn Place Story

Imagine a young woman, facing a future of isolation and unfulfilled potential. This was Ashton’s reality. Diagnosed with Autism at eighteen months, Ashton, now 33, has struggled to find programs that truly meet her needs. Her mother, Patricia Allen, founder and Executive Director of Garlyn Place, knows this struggle all too well. She’s watched Ashton cycle in and out of various programs throughout her life, some of which Ashton was kicked out of, leaving Ashton without the support she desperately needs. This is the story of Garlyn Place, a place born from a mother’s love and a community’s determination to create a brighter future for adults with developmental disAbilities.

Becoming a parent of a child with a disAbility is life-changing. Raising a child with a disAbility doesn’t stop when they turn eighteen; it’s a lifelong journey. Patricia’s journey began with navigating the complexities of the system, learning about programs like the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Medicaid waiver program, a lifeline for individuals with intellectual and developmental disAbilities. She placed Ashton’s name on the waiting list, a process requiring immense patience that many families know all to well. While Ashton eventually received some support from a smaller program it wasn’t until middle school when an HCS slot opened up for Ashton and provided more comprehensive benefits. Even with the enhanced benefits, the programs didn’t provide the support Ashton and others like her truly needed and availability regularly changed forcing Ashton to cycle through six different programs in the last eight years.

The reality for many adults with disabilities is stark: limited employment opportunities and a lack of engaging programs. Imagine your child, after years of schooling and support, suddenly facing a future with no purpose or opportunity like Ashton.

Many families, like Patricia’s, find themselves choosing to keep their loved ones at home due to the lack of available programs, a decision that can lead to further isolation and a decline in skills as well as hardship on the caregiver. Witnessing Ashton’s isolation and lack of purpose fueled Patricia’s determination. She envisioned a place where adults with disAbilities could thrive—a place offering not just care, but purpose, growth, and community.

Inspired by successful models like the Brookwood Community and Down Home Ranch, which have provided meaningful work and a sense of belonging for decades, Patricia set out to create a similar program in Orange County. Leading a group of like-minded parents and special education professionals, she founded Garlyn Place.

Garlyn Place will offer education and job skill training, empowering individuals to contribute to their community and experience the satisfaction of meaningful work. Everyone deserves the opportunity to feel useful and make a difference.

Garlyn Place is GOD RICH.

Garlyn Place Uniters exemplify the Core Values that we strive to have in our own lives.

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Learning Center

Garlyn Place will empower adults with developmental disabilities to develop their skills.

The Learning Center will serve as a hub for education and personal growth, featuring structured classrooms, a computer lab, a commercial kitchen, and a variety of independent and group activities. The Vocational Trade Center will focus on hands-on job training and workforce development, fostering partnerships with local businesses to create sustainable employment pathways. Additionally, the Health & Wellness Center will provide essential resources to support both physical and mental well-being, ensuring that individuals receive holistic care tailored to their needs. By creating these opportunities, Garlyn Place will empower adults with developmental disabilities to develop their skills, build meaningful relationships, and achieve a greater sense of independence. The impact of this initiative extends beyond the individuals served—by strengthening workforce participation and community engagement, Garlyn Place will contribute to a more inclusive and economically vibrant Orange County.

Community Need:

95% of adults with developmental disabilities are unemployed, leading to a lack of financial independence and personal fulfillment.
With 91 students with autism or intellectual disabilities graduating from local high schools in the next few years, the need for post-secondary programs is critical.
Due to a lack of suitable programs and extensive waitlists, 48 individuals with Medicaid funding are unable to access essential services creating logistical and financial burdens on local families.
In the past several years, an accelerating number of Community Centers and private Medicaid Waiver providers have terminated their IDD service contracts and more are considering contract terminations as of August 2023.

Garlyn Place will provide: