The Story of Mike and Francis

Mike and Francis have lived a long, meaningful life together. One shaped by family, faith, perseverance, and the steady presence of support when it was needed most. They met on a blind date on October 24, 1970, and just weeks later, on December 12, 1970, they were married. More than five decades later, they remain devoted partners who are deeply connected to one another and proud of the life they have built together.

Both Mike and Francis have intellectual disabilities, which have impacted their ability to independently manage finances, navigate complex systems, and respond to changing care needs over time. Despite these challenges, they have worked hard with the right supports in place, to maintain stability, dignity, and a strong sense of home.

They have lived in their current home since October 1, 1988, a place that truly represents what “home” means to them. To Mike, home is where the heart is, a place of belonging, stability, and shared history. Remaining in this home has been deeply important to both Mike and Francis and has provided continuity throughout their lives.

Mike worked for many years with the General Services Administration (GSA) (A federal agency that actively works to employ and support people with disabilities) from 1968 to 1994, providing custodial and support services connected with the Army Corps of Engineers. Francis has been a steady presence alongside him, and together they navigated work, parenting, and adulthood as a team.

Mike has lived his entire life with a disability related to a brain injury at birth, which he describes as mild but impactful. For many years, his mother assisted him with managing responsibilities. When she later moved out of state and could no longer provide hands-on support, it became clear that additional services were necessary.

In 1989, Mike became a client of Valley Residential Services (VRS), beginning a long-standing partnership that has supported not only Mike, but Francis and their entire family. Over the decades, VRS has assisted them with supported living services, financial guidance, family services, and long-term planning.

Their home was fully paid off with the assistance of Valley Residential Services financial managers, who oversaw budgeting, mortgage payments, and other monthly expenses. With guidance from VRS, including the strategy of making double payments whenever possible—Mike and Francis were able to successfully pay off their home in 2014. This achievement provided long-term financial stability and ensured they could remain in their home as they aged.

Both Mike and Francis have shared that life without the help of Valley Residential Services would not be good. They believe they would not have a paid-off home, would not have had the financial guidance necessary to manage expenses responsibly, and would not be able to live safely or independently without ongoing support.

As Mike has aged, his mobility has declined significantly, and he is now wheelchair dependent. He requires 24-hour care to assist with bathing, toileting, transfers, medical appointments, grocery shopping, and daily living activities. Francis is deeply thankful for this support, as she is no longer physically able to assist Mike with these tasks on her own. The presence of 24-hour staff allows both of them to remain safe in their home and continue living together with dignity.

Valley Residential Services has supported this family in multiple ways across many years. In addition to supported living services for Mike and Francis, VRS also provided family services when their children were younger, helping to stabilize the household and promote long-term financial and family stability. VRS has consistently worked to support the whole family, not just individual needs.

Mike and Francis also enjoy participating in activities offered by Valley Residential Services for its clients. Francis especially enjoys the cooking classes, which allow her to learn new skills, socialize, and stay engaged in the community. These activities are offered free of charge to clients and are funded through money raised by Dancing with the W2 Stars. Opportunities may include cooking classes, arts and crafts, attending a hockey game in the Tri-Cities, or enjoying a show at the Gesa Power House Theatre. These experiences greatly enhance their quality of life and sense of connection.

Throughout their lives, faith and family have remained central to Mike and Francis. They value their relationships deeply and take pride in their children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Today, Mike and Francis continue living in their home with the support of Valley Residential Services. Their story reflects how long-term, individualized services can support not just one person, but an entire family across generations, by helping them navigate life, maintain stability, remain engaged in their community, and live safely and with dignity.

Valley Residential Services is here to help the entire family navigate life, and Mike and Francis’ journey is a clear example of the lasting impact of that commitment.