Our Vision

Parents who have raised and supported children with autism for decades face the daunting challenge of how to continue this supportive environment as they age. Rebecca (Riv) and Alan Goldman developed a vision of this community.

​

The solution

Modeled after Bittersweet Farms in Whitehouse, Ohio and Benjamin's Hope in Holland, Michigan, Woodside Prairie will be the center for a full life for adults with autism. Woodside Prairie will provide the environment where residents can engage in opportunities for meaningful work, skill training, healthy lifestyles and interactions with the community. The families of the residents will choose self-directed supports or engage an agency to provide supports  to maintain a good quality of life.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

Layout of the property

Each single-story home has 6 bedrooms with private bathrooms. Private bedrooms allow individuals with a calming space as needed. Each home includes a communal kitchen, dining room and living room for shared meal preparation, dining and entertainment. Homes are designed to be bright with sunlight coming through the clearstory space.

There is an activity building at the end of the driveway that is multi-purpose and includes a kitchen for recreational and community use. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

“

 

 

 

 

I have been in the field of autism for the past 35+ years and I’ve never encountered a program like Woodside Prairie.  Woodside Prairie is a one of a kind program that incorporates a public/private partnership to ensure the best possible living arrangement for those on the autism spectrum.  In my observations of the current participants, they are happy, healthy, and living their best lives.    Their growth has been exceptional and they are doing activities independently that they did not do previously.  It exciting to see them thrive in their new home.”  

 

James Ball, Ed.D., B.C.B.A.-D., L.B.A.

President/CEO

JB Autism Consulting, LLC. 

​

​