International organisation L’Arche is behind the house, which has been in the works for three years.
L’Arche Shepparton committee chair Judy Holland said the first step of a three-stage vision was to hold weekly activities at the house.
“It could be a disco or a games night or cooking, craft or board games — we’d be open to all suggestions,” Mrs Holland said.
The second goal is to offer respite services, and the third stage would see residential care at the house.
“One of the huge worries for ageing parents is what is going to happen to their child with disability,” Mrs Holland said.
“They want to see them settled in a place.
“We want people to understand that we are not trying to duplicate the services of Shepparton Access or Connect GV, because our ultimate focus is on respite and residential care.”
The L’Arche Shepparton committee includes parishioners from St Brendan’s Catholic Church, Shepparton, but the house is open to all people, whether of faith or no faith.
The Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst provided a $10,000 grant to help with the initial cost of setting up the house, but ongoing financial support and fundraising is needed.
“We are inviting anyone who would wish to contribute, as there will be substantial costs for furnishing the house, supplying materials for activities and payment of utilities and rent,” Mrs Holland said.
“It’s a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a substantial lounge room and another gathering place, which is off the kitchen.
“There’s a fabulous outdoor area and a large garage, both of which lend themselves to outdoor activities.”
The Shepparton L’Arche house is located at 8 Duncan Crt, Shepparton, and will be open to the public from noon to 4pm on Sunday, August 7. A barbecue lunch will be available.
For details, contact Judy Holland on 0408 216 210 or Carol O’Reilly on 0408 149 962 or email larcheprojectshepparton@outlook.com
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