our story

Where do we go from here? This is the question that keeps parents of special needs young adults awake at night as their children approach their 22nd birthday and “the cliff” comes into view. When I asked parents of the Riverview School this question over Zoom in the Spring of 2021, I knew I wasn’t alone in my search for an answer.

How did I get here? It all started the day my two year-old daughter Ava was diagnosed on the Spectrum. Throughout our circuitous journey, I asked a lot of questions but never really got a lot of answers (or, at least the answers I wanted). Looking back now, I realize that when you are most lost, that’s when you find your way.

I’ve always been the person who raises her hand first. Advocating for Ava and others like her continues to be essential to me. Whether being elected to lead the Boston Public Schools Special Education Parents Advisory Council (for the 10,000 children receiving services throughout the city) or during my time as Family Association Chair and Board Member of the Riverview School,  I listened and learned but understood that what I was envisioning as the next step for Ava didn’t exist. There had to be another way, a better way. Having Ava return back home to Boston to live with me and her Dad or in a house located in an isolated, car-dependent suburb (where housing for people with special needs seems always to be located) would never be our answer.

The clock was ticking—just one year until Ava turned 22 and graduated from Riverview. Would she live in a community with supportive friends? Would she be able to walk or take public transportation to just about anywhere she wanted to go? Would she be safe in her neighborhood? Would she find a job and gain skills?  Would we find services to help her continue to learn and grow? Would there be opportunities for her to have fun, be creative, and enjoy life? Would she lead an independent live and be self-determined?

With this vision, unflinching determination, the support of like-minded people, blood, sweat, and tears, I partnered with Riverview parents and purchased 525 South Street in Downtown Hyannis where Ava has lived with fellow Riverview graduates since July 2023. When the house directly behind at 15 Newton Street became available, three additional Riverview alums joined our community. Then 58 Chase Street, in a historic neighborhood two blocks away, was added for 3 more friends. And most recently, 33 Pine Avenue, the historic Captain Crowell house, became part of our community. 

With a team of experienced and committed partners who support and encourage Ava and her friends, the center of Cape Cod has become a model of success. Other parents have followed our lead creating houses for their children in close proximity. Even the Riverview School has discovered the advantages Hyannis offers and will be launching their Friends Forever program just a few blocks away.

Self-advocacy is a key learning opportunity that we encourage and model. Our residents are connected to local government and regularly speak at Town Council meetings to advocate for a safe, vibrant, and inclusive community. We were instrumental in ensuring the 2-way Main Streets plan was passed at Town Hall which includes new crosswalks, removal of view-obstructing parking spaces, bike lanes, and the addition of a “pocket park” in front of 525 South Street.

Creativity is central to our mission. Our beautiful community is infused with opportunities to support our residents’ understanding of and participation in the arts. When one of the retail spaces became available at 525 South Street, we created Hyphen—an arts-focused workspace and gallery—where we partner with accomplished artists and programs including Gateway Arts and Cape Cod CAN. There are opportunities for our residents to apprentice and perform at Cotuit Center for the Arts. Fitness and wellness are encouraged as well—we walk to the beach, Barnstable Harbor, and a number of workout facilities close by. Entertainment is right out our front door with Cape Cod Baseball League games during the summer plus live music, local festivals, and more fun year round—all right here.

I’m always happy to share our journey and provide guidance to others as we all work to create a brighter future for the extraordinary people we love.

This story is not over, it’s just beginning—OverHere.

Susan Battista | Founder