Forever Home for our kids with disabilities.

Valerie Arbeau
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Formerly Special Needs Moms - Circle of Strength.  This podcast has begun a shift in focus... Hey, I’m Valerie, mom to two with disabilities (one visible, one invisible). We came up with housing solutions for our children. This space has been created to help you navigate the journey of creating a secure, sustainable forever home for your child.  We’ll chat with parents on this path, realtors, financial planners, and other experts who can make the process easier. We'll be dropping an episode twice a month. Seeing my eldest thrive living independent of us was a gift I didn’t always know I could give. I'm excited for you to have the opportunity to explore giving that gift to your child.   Keep building your child’s future!  Music acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

  1. 7H AGO

    Clarity, Consistency, and a Christmas Message of Hope with your host Valerie

    Send us a text As we close out 2025 and step into the Christmas season, Valerie offers a reflection on gratitude, hope, and the quiet, steady work of building a forever home for a child with disabilities. Through a beautiful allegory of a lantern maker, this episode reminds listeners that secure futures are not created overnight — they are built layer by layer, with clarity, consistency, and love. This episode weaves together storytelling, practical encouragement, and spiritual reflection to honour the courage of parents, caregivers, and advocates who show up every day for their children. Valerie revisits two core themes explored this fall in her Newsletter — Clarity and Consistency — and invites listeners to carry them forward into the New Year as guiding lights for their child’s future. In this episode: - A Christmas allegory illustrating how forever homes are built over time, not all at once - Why a forever home is a vision, not just a building - The role of clarity in imagining your child’s adult life before making plans - The power of consistency through small, intentional steps - How hope is built through action, not perfection - Navigating the emotional weight of the holiday season as a caregiver - Encouragement and reassurance for parents and families carrying long-term responsibility - A faith-based reflection on rest, hope, and sustaining strength - What’s coming in 2026 for the Forever Home community Key Themes: Clarity: - Starting with vision before funding, housing models, or legal structures - Asking meaningful questions about independence, safety, belonging, and purpose - Allowing yourself to imagine the future through the lens of love Consistency: - Taking one small step at a time toward your child’s future - Building momentum through gentle, repeatable actions - Trusting that steady progress creates alignment and hope Hope: - Hope as something we actively build - Seeing light even in seasons of uncertainty - Honouring every quiet effort made on behalf of your child Notable Quotes: ~ “The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.” — Leonard Sweet ~ “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” — Desmond Tutu In the coming year, listeners can expect: - Practical guidance on housing models and forever home options - Step-by-step breakdowns of the forever home planning process  - Interviews with families actively building or living in forever homes - Conversations with planners, lawyers, designers, and support professionals - New workshops, tools, and resources designed to move families from planning into action Valerie’s goal for 2026: to help families move from thinking about a forever home for their child to building it. From my family to yours — Merry Christmas, and thank you for being part of this growing Forever Home community. Live with Intention – Embrace the Journey Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada) Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    15 min

  2. DEC 10

    Empowering Families: Home Security, Mentorship, and Building a Legacy with Katie Hall

    Send us a text In this episode, Valerie sits down with Katie Hall—wife, mom, Gigi, mentor to teens and young adults with disabilities, and founder of Secure Your Hive. Katie shares her journey into mentoring, how this work has shaped her life and business, and how she now helps families save on essential services and create flexible, sustainable income streams—something especially meaningful for caregivers who cannot work traditional jobs. Katie and Valerie also dive into the crucial topic of home security for forever homes, including smart-home options, safety features, and real-life considerations for families whose children may wander or require additional layers of monitoring. Key Moments: Katie’s unexpected journey into mentoring teens and young adults with differing abilities How caretaking for her sister opened her heart.The Facebook post that changed her life.Why dignity and language matter (“You are not a babysitter”).The beautiful moment when one of the teens later wrote a school paper naming Katie as her hero.How mentoring shaped Katie personally and professionally Why she intentionally uses the word mentor rather than aid.The deep relationships she’s built with the families she serves.How walking alongside one family opened doors to support many others.Flexible, home-based income for caregivers Katie breaks down: How she helps families save 30–50% on health care.Ways to reduce costs on essentials like mobile services, identity protection, and home utilities.Why service-based income can create residual earnings that grow over time.How this income can be left to your child in a trust—a financial game changer for many families.Opportunities for parents to learn, train, and build their own flexible business at home.Home security for forever homes Katie shares real, practical insights into: Smart locks, keypads, and phone app accessIndoor and outdoor cameras (and why you may choose one or the other)Door and window sensorsWhy these systems offer peace of mind for families with kids or adults who may wanderHow automation (lights, thermostats, door locks) can support safety and independenceThe security company she uses and recommends (Vivint)  Key Quote from the Episode “People say I’m changing their lives, but they’re changing mine.” – Katie   Connect with Katie Hall website: www.secureyourhive.biz  email: katie@secureyourhive.biz Text: 1-949-228-7443. (Quote Forever Home)   Thank You for Listening! Thank you for being part of the Forever Home for Our Kids with Disabilities community. Your support throughout 2025 has meant the world. If this episode encouraged you or opened your eyes to new possibilities, please share it with another parent or caregiver navigating this journey.   Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada) Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    25 min

  3. NOV 26

    Launching With Support: One Mom’s Journey to Independent Living for Her Autistic Daughter — with Dr. Elisabeth “Betsy” Woolner

    Send us a text In this episode Valerie sits down with special guest Dr. Elisabeth (Betsy) Woolner — an 'almost' retired family physician, university clinical lecturer, and mother of two adult children, one with developmental disabilities. Betsy shares her 30-year journey of raising her daughter Scarlett, discovering her needs beyond diagnosis labels, and navigating three failed attempts at independent living before finally finding a sustainable model. This conversation is a compassionate look at what it really takes to support our neurodivergent young adults — not by assuming they’re ready, but by meeting them where they are. Key Themes & Takeaways Bright ≠ ready for independence — Intelligence doesn’t replace executive functioning, social capacity, emotional maturity, or processing speed. Failed launches don’t mean failure — They are data points that help families course-correct. Parents sometimes unknowingly overestimate — When expectations shifted to match actual ability, battles disappeared and communication improved. Support for life is not a limitation — Accepting lifelong support needs opened the door to realistic planning and healthier independence. Home models matter — Supervised living, duplexes, apartment rentals, condo ownership… each option comes with pros, cons, and legal considerations. Teaching independent living requires breaking things down — Something as “simple” as paying bills may actually be 8+ steps that need practice, tools, and repetition. After exploring multiple options — renovating their home, building a carriage house, agency-supervised living, rentals — the family landed on purchasing a condo 15 minutes away so they could: • tailor support without landlord barriers • monitor needs and independence over time • provide roommates (which Scarlett wanted) • minimize outdoor maintenance responsibilities Skill-Building Wins Along the Way Paying rent — learning reminders, collecting roommate payments, e-transferring on timeMeal planning & cooking — supported by interest and shared responsibility with roommatesOngoing work — cleanliness remains a challenge, and they’re learning as they goFor Parents Walking This Path Independence isn’t all or nothing Support isn’t a setback — it’s a step forward You’re not behind if success takes time Every child’s journey is unique — and so is yours Suggested Reflection • List the life skills your child will need for the level of independence they want • Choose one skill to focus on first — and break it into micro-steps • Celebrate progress over perfection  Creating a forever home isn’t just about the physical space — it’s about building confidence one skill at a time, exploring models of support, and honoring our children’s identities, needs, and dreams.   Connect with Betsy https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabeth-betsy-woolner/ https://www.facebook.com/betsy.woolner   Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Cana Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    32 min

  4. NOV 12

    With Us, Not For Us: Inclusion, Employment & Empowerment with Mark and John Cronin

    Send us a text Episode Overview In this powerful and heart-opening episode, Valerie is joined by father–son duo Mark and John Cronin, founders of John’s Crazy Socks, the world’s largest sock store with a mission to spread happiness and create meaningful employment opportunities for people with differing abilities. Mark X. Cronin – Social entrepreneur, policy leader, advocate for disability inclusion, co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks and Abilities Rising. Two-time TEDx speaker, published author, and EY Entrepreneur of the Year award winner.John Cronin – Co-founder and Chief Happiness Officer of John’s Crazy Socks. Public speaker, advocate, and role model for inclusion. Entrepreneur with Down Syndrome.Together, they share: Their personal family story, including John's early medical challenges and the expectations others placed on him.How their family philosophy—“With us, not for us”—has shaped John’s autonomy, independence, and confidence.The origin story of John’s Crazy Socks: a 21-year-old with vision and determination creating his own business when he couldn’t find employment he loved.How their company intentionally hires people with differing abilities and why that workforce has become their greatest competitive advantage.Their advocacy efforts, including speaking at the U.N., testifying before Congress, and pushing to end sub-minimum wage laws that allow people with disabilities to be paid as little as 5 cents per hour.  Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Never underestimate ability. John’s story challenges assumptions and reminds families to give children space to try, fail, and succeed. 2. “With us, not for us.” John makes his own decisions. Support is available, but autonomy is essential. 3. Entrepreneurism is for everyone. If a job doesn’t exist or isn’t welcoming—create one. Entrepreneurship can be a path to independence and purpose. 4. Disability is not a burden. Mark shares how his son has made him a better man—and how societal messaging can unintentionally diminish a child’s perceived potential. 5. Advocacy matters. The Cronins use their platform to champion policy change—especially the fight to end sheltered workshops and sub-minimum wage practices. Memorable Quotes “Please, don’t ever apologize for my son.” — Mark “With us, not for us. It’s my life, and I get to make my choices.” — John “We don’t lower the standards—every employee earns their job.” — Mark “Never underestimate their ability. Give them the chance to figure it out.” — Valerie   Connect with Mark and John johnandmarkcronin.com; abilitiesrising.com; johnscrazysocks.com Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada) https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States) Thank You for Listening If this episode encouraged or inspired you, share it with another parent or caregiver. Your Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    42 min

  5. OCT 29

    Considerations when creating your child's forever home: Valerie poses 10 questions to ask yourself.

    Send us a text Episode Summary A forever home isn’t just a physical space—it’s a lifelong foundation of love, care, and possibility. In this episode, host Valerie Arbeau, mom to two children with disabilities, author, and life coach, guides parents through the essential first steps in creating a secure and sustainable forever home for their child. Through the analogy of building a house, Valerie walks listeners through ten guiding questions that help families think practically and compassionately about their child’s future—from location and independence to legal planning and continuity of care. Key Topics Covered Building a Strong FoundationHow planning a forever home is like building a house—every decision adds strength, structure, and purpose.Safety and ComfortCreating spaces that support physical, emotional, and sensory safety.Reflection: What helps your child feel grounded and calm?Independence and SupportEncouraging supported independence through tools, structure, and confidence.Real-life examples of adaptive supports and gradual independence.Choosing a Housing ModelExploring options like shared living, supported apartments, or suites on family property.Involving your child in decisions, no matter how they communicate.Location and BelongingConsidering proximity to family, community, healthcare, and inclusive spaces.Planting your child where they can grow and thrive.Building a Support NetworkIdentifying family, friends, and community members who will walk alongside your child.How to start gentle, future-focused conversations.Financial FoundationsUnderstanding government supports, grants, trusts, and financial planning.Why working with disability-informed professionals matters.Daily Routines that Nurture GrowthDesigning a rhythm of life that balances structure, joy, and rest.Legal ConsiderationsCreating clarity around guardianship, power of attorney, and documentation.Ensuring your child’s care continues seamlessly.Continuity of CarePlanning for your child’s future beyond your lifetime.Passing on your vision, values, and love with confidence and clarity. Reflection Prompts What would make my child’s home feel like a sanctuary—for their body and heart?How can I gradually increase their independence with dignity?Who can I invite into our long-term circle of care?What legacy of love and security do I want to leave behind? Key Takeaway “You don’t need to have all the answers right now. With each question you ask and each decision you make, you’re laying the foundation for a future that will stand strong.” Keep building your child’s future. Live with Intention — Embrace the Journey. Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada) Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    32 min

  6. OCT 15

    Moving Out on His Own: Ishan’s Story of Determination, Independence, and Real Talk About Independent Living.

    Send us a text In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Valerie reconnects with Ishan Manerikar — a witty, fiercely independent 24-year-old student living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2. Diagnosed at 18 months and raised alongside a younger sister who also has SMA, Ishan grew up with a family who encouraged independence at every turn — even when it required a little ruthlessness. At just 18, Ishan made the bold decision to move out of his parents’ home — not into a group setting or institution, but fully on his own. Now living in an accessible university residence, he manages his own care team, juggles a psychology and philosophy degree, plays power hockey, and navigates daily life with equal parts strategy and sarcasm!  This episode offers a rare flip side perspective — not from a parent advocating for independence, but from a young adult with a disability who demanded it for himself. Key Topics: -Understanding SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) Type 2 — Ishan breaks down the different SMA types and how modern treatments have shifted life expectancy and expectations. -Growing Up Independent (Whether You Want To or Not!) — How his parents fostered capability, confidence, and competitiveness between siblings with disabilities. -Why Moving Out Was Never Not an Option — Even when few peers with his level of disability had done it before. -Finding & Managing Caregivers — How he recruits support workers on Kijiji (with hilariously honest ads) and why he prefers hiring people with little to no medical background. (See Transcript for full ad) -The Housing Dilemma — The harsh realities of finding accessible housing on a budget — and why student residence is currently his lifeline. -The Hidden Cost of Independence — The emotional realities of living alone, the isolation that comes with autonomy, and the limitations of government support programs like AISH. -The Broken Support System — Candid commentary on navigating healthcare funding, caregiver limitations, and why “playing the game” determines survival for many adults with disabilities. -Independence can be empowering and isolating at the same time — both truths can exist together. Final Thoughts from Valerie ·       This episode is a raw and real reminder of why I do the work I do with Forever Home Consulting. Parents need guidance — yes — but young adults like Ishan also need agency, dignity, and pathways to chart their own lives. ·       If you’ve ever wondered: ·       “But will my child really want to move out? And what would that look like?” ·       …this conversation gives you an answer — straight from someone who’s living it! Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey Connect with Ishan  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ishan.manerikar  Instagram: @man_in_a_car   Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada) https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States) Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    39 min

  7. OCT 1

    Planning for Tomorrow, Grace for Today: A Conversation on Guardianship & Estate Planning with Shannon Laymon-Pecoraro

    Send us a text In this episode, Valerie chats with Shannon Laymon-Pecoraro, a certified elder law attorney, founder of East Coast Elder Law, and a nationally recognized voice in special needs planning. Shannon not only brings deep expertise in guardianship and estate planning but also shares her own journey as a special needs mom. Shannon brings to her practice an exceptional legal skill, and a deep personal commitment to serving the community. Shannon is a recognized authority in her field frequently sharing her knowledge as a lecturer, both locally and nationally. She has delivered multiple presentations at Stetson University School of Law's prestigious Special Needs Trust Conference and is a professor for their tax certification program. Together, Valerie and Shannon discuss: Shannon’s personal story of navigating her daughter’s diagnosis and the challenges of advocating for school supports.How early experiences volunteering at a camp for children with disabilities shaped Shannon’s career path.The realities of guardianship—why it’s required, how the process differs by state, and what parents need to know as their child approaches adulthood.The importance of estate planning and common mistakes families make when planning for their child’s future care.Why giving ourselves grace as parents matters when navigating late diagnoses and the day-to-day challenges of raising children with disabilities.This conversation offers guidance for families thinking ahead about guardianship, special needs trusts, and transition planning—while reminding us of the empathy and patience we need to grow along the way. Key Takeaways: Girls are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed with ADHD or autism; deeper evaluations may be needed.504 plans can make a powerful difference in school success—even without a formal ADHD or autism label.Guardianship laws vary by region but share one truth: at 18, your child is legally considered an adult. Preparing early helps avoid gaps.Estate planning is essential—avoid disinheriting your child or relying solely on siblings to manage care. Special Needs Trusts exist to protect both assets and benefits.Parents must remember to give themselves grace—we don’t miss things out of neglect, but because we are often just trying to get through the day.  Connect with: Shannon Laymon-Pecoraro https://www.facebook.com/EastCoastElderLawPLLC https://www.instagram.com/eastcoastelderlaw/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-coast-elder-law-pllc https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-laymon-pecoraro-cela-6271bb139/ https://www.eastcoast-elderlaw.com   Connect with me: info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada) https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States) Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    40 min

  8. SEP 17

    Building Independence: Preparing Your Child for Life Beyond Home with Dr. Molly Sullivan Denny.

    Send us a text Episode Summary: In this episode, Valerie sits down with Dr. Molly Sullivan Denny, Director of  Daymark Living to talk about preparing young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for life beyond the family home. Dr. Molly shares both practical strategies and inspiring stories, highlighting the importance of starting early, building independence step by step, and engaging a supportive team of family, friends, and professionals. Whether your child is just beginning to learn daily living skills or is closer to transitioning into their forever home, this episode will give you encouragement, ideas, and hope for the journey ahead. Dr. Molly Sullivan Denny has a BA degree with a focus in communication sciences and disorders. She has a master’s and doctoral degrees from Texas Woman’s University with a research focus on the effects of early intervention on the development of children with Down syndrome and the family dynamics of perceptions of siblings who have a child with special needs in their family. Currently she is the Director of Community Life for Daymark Living since 2015. Key Takeaways: Build a team: Involve family, friends, and even special needs attorneys or financial planners to support decision-making and long-term planning. Start early: Daily living skills take time—teaching tasks like dressing, cooking simple meals, or cleaning up should begin when children are young. Focus on independence: Break tasks into steps and allow children to practice, even when it takes longer. Skills learned early reduce reliance later. Celebrate small wins: From buckling a car seat to folding socks, every achievement matters and builds confidence. Inclusion matters: Even if a child cannot perform tasks independently, exposing them to routines (like laundry or cooking) helps them understand their world and participate in family life. Adaptive tools and therapy: Occupational therapists and adaptive equipment can make daily tasks more manageable and empowering. Think forward: Look at your child’s current day and compare it to what you want their day to look like in the future—then bridge the gap step by step. Reflection Question: What’s one small skill you can begin teaching or encouraging your child this week that will help them build independence for the future? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your biggest takeaways from this episode on social media or send us a message. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more families who need guidance and encouragement on this journey. Connect with Dr. Molly Sullivan Denny: molly.denny@daymarkliving.com                          https://www.daymarkliving.com https://www.facebook.com/DaymarkLiving https://www.instagram.com/daymarkliving/ Connect with me: info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada) https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States) Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    39 min
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Formerly Special Needs Moms - Circle of Strength.  This podcast has begun a shift in focus... Hey, I’m Valerie, mom to two with disabilities (one visible, one invisible). We came up with housing solutions for our children. This space has been created to help you navigate the journey of creating a secure, sustainable forever home for your child.  We’ll chat with parents on this path, realtors, financial planners, and other experts who can make the process easier. We'll be dropping an episode twice a month. Seeing my eldest thrive living independent of us was a gift I didn’t always know I could give. I'm excited for you to have the opportunity to explore giving that gift to your child.   Keep building your child’s future!  Music acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

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