Staff report

Dylan’s House, a nonprofit organization devoted to empowering and enriching the lives of those on the autism spectrum in the Mahoning Valley, recently hosted its winter caregiver grant presentation at the Leonard Kirtz School.

Dylan’s House awarded 10 caregivers an individual $500 grant. The organization has awarded more than $28,000 in grants to licensed caregivers who care for autistic individuals and looks forward to continuing to give back.

The 10 caregivers who received the grants are Kirk Davis, Judah Leonard, Lori and Sati Manteghi, Jonathan Rosa, Sarah Toto, Sandra Panza, Virginia Chizmar, Destiny Goetz, Devin Miller and Jacob Thorpe.

Dylan’s House hosts this event twice a year and opens applications every early summer and late fall. The nonprofit organization was founded by Kevin and Amy Shope. It provides housing and support for adolescents, young adults and their families impacted by autism.

In October, ground was broken on the organization’s first home build. The four-bedroom duplex, located off Woodfield Court in Boardman, is expected to be completed in six to eight months. It will offer caregiver support and serve as a model for the nonprofit’s future homes across the Mahoning Valley.

The project is part of an initiative launched by Amy and Kevin Shope, who founded Dylan’s House in 2022 in honor of their son, Dylan. After experiencing first-hand the challenges of securing long-term care for Dylan, the Shopes purchased a home for him in Cornersburg and began looking for ways to support other families who needed safe housing for their adult children with autism.

At the groundbreaking off South Avenue in Boardman, the family said they hoped to help other families find answers to the same questions they had struggled with surrounding how to best care for their adult children on the spectrum.

The Boardman duplex is one of several planned by Dylan’s House. A second location in Struthers is also in development, and the organization recently partnered with Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries to establish a dedicated office space in Liberty.

The need for such housing is urgent. According to the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley, 87% of autistic adults live with their parents, yet only 22% wish to do so. Just 7% have access to the support services needed to live independently.

The Oct. 22 groundbreaking brought together several community partners, including Sam and Donna Boak, who donated the land; Ramunno Builders, the general contractor; Purple Cat, which will manage and staff the home; and Trisha Howe, executive director of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of the Valley.

Kevin Shope said the home will continue to invite community involvement as construction progresses.

Dylan’s House is continuing to raise money for furniture, equipment and operational needs. Volunteers also are needed to help prepare the home for occupancy. More information is available at www.dylanshouse.org.