A house to call home – Antonio’s family

What would you do if your house wasn’t allowed to be a home to someone you cared for?

“I was interested in foster placement and adoption after providing respite care over several months for a 12-year-old boy but couldn’t even consider placement without renovating my home,” said Antonio, a long-time foster and adoptive parent.

After getting input from several contractors, all he needed was a single wall to renovate one of the two living rooms in his house into a bedroom. The wall would cost $1,875 and Antonio, who cares for his three adopted sons and two boys in foster care, just didn’t have the funds.

That’s when The Villages of Indiana Advisory Council and CareSource, a managed care entity, stepped in to cover the bill.

Brittany Burtraw, team lead for Behavioral Health at CareSource Indiana and member of The Villages Advisory Council said, “Antonio’s story touched my heart - clearly the right opportunity for CareSource to help.”

With renovations now nearing completion in Antonio’s house, he’s ready to welcome his new family member officially home.

“As someone who grew up in the foster care system myself, I know how important it is to have a space you can call home with a family who loves and supports you,” said Antonio. “We’re grateful for everything The Villages and CareSource has done to make our lives and futures better together.”