Our FAQs
Admissions (Residential Program):
What type of residential services does Vanguard Landing provide?
Vanguard Landing supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by offering residential services in five bedroom cottages and one bedroom townhomes under a DBHDS License for Supervised Living. On-site amenities and optional opportunities are available based on each resident’s person-centered plan.
What will residents do during the day?
Residents choose how they spend their time based on their interests, goals, and person-centered plans. Options may include community outings, job skill building, fitness activities, social events, continuing education opportunities, arts and leisure activities, and more. Participation in optional activities is always based on individual choice and preference.
What are the criteria for admission to the residential program?
Adults aged 18 and older who have an intellectual and/or developmental disability may apply for residential services. Each applicant undergoes an admissions process to assess support needs and ensure that Vanguard Landing can safely and appropriately meet those needs. Supports are tailored to the individual rather than based on a predetermined program.
Is Vanguard Landing appropriate for someone as they age?
Yes. Vanguard Landing is designed to support residents throughout adulthood and into later life as long as their needs can continue to be met. Services and support levels are adjusted as individual needs change over time.
What does room and board include?
Room and board cover housing in a cottage or home, food, utilities, and basic household services. Cost and funding options are discussed during the admissions process. Specific service costs (e.g., Medicaid waiver vs. private pay) are determined with families and support coordinators and are separate from licensure requirements.
Does Vanguard Landing accept Medicaid waivers?
Vanguard Landing has applied to be a DBHDS-licensed provider and then participate in the Medicaid waiver system. Once licensed, residents may use the appropriate waiver funding for supported living services in accordance with DMAS and DBHDS regulations. We can help families and support coordinators navigate these options.
Can I apply before my loved one is old enough to move in?
Yes. Applicants may join the Incoming Residents List if they are not yet age 18 or not ready to move. Their place on the list is held, and when a suitable space opens and they are ready, families are contacted in order of placement date.
What if we want to start with a day program before residential living?
We plan to offer optional day program participation. Applying and completing the residential admissions application ensures your family member is considered for both residential and day opportunities. Participation in either is based on personal goals and choice.
What staffing ratios are expected?
Each home will have staffing levels determined by the needs of the individuals living there. At minimum, a ratio of 5 residents to 1 direct support professional is anticipated, but individual plans may require higher or specialized support.
How does the wait list work?
Once Vanguard Landing began accepted admissions packets, accepted applicants are placed on an Incoming Residents List in order of application completion. After the initial Phase One homes are filled, a formal waiting list will be established for future openings, again based on application date and space availability.
Which waivers support life at Vanguard Landing?
The Community Living Waiver is best for our Group Home Model and FIS Waiver would be best for our Townhome Model. Families should consult support coordinators to determine the best match for their loved one’s service plan.
Is there a trial period before moving in?
Vanguard Landing does not offer a formal “trial period.” However, families and residents can choose not to continue residential services at any time, and transitions are supported based on individual circumstances.
What is the visitation policy?
Residents are free to receive visitors. We work with families to schedule visits in a way that honors individual preferences and ongoing activities. Visitation reflects person-centered life choices.
General Information:
What is an Intentional Community?
An intentional community is a residential setting designed to support individuals in living independently while fostering connection, choice, and shared opportunities. Vanguard Landing’s model emphasizes community participation, integration, and choice, not centrally dictated programming.
What is Vanguard Landing?
Our well-planned community is not only designed to be interactive and self-sustaining within itself, it also is set up to collaborate and be utilized by all members of our greater community. The Intentional Community concept actively promotes engaging individuals with non-disabled individuals through a variety of vocational and recreational activities chosen by the individual and his or her family. In fact, many of these individuals have tried living in small homes in neighborhoods and have found such settings to be extremely isolating and detrimental to their health and happiness.
Vanguard Landing will have a beautiful and dynamic neighborhood that will be a shining example of a true community with everyone receiving whatever level of support they need. While we, of course, are focused on the needs of our friends with ID/DD, we will also have neuro-typical adults who also live in the neighborhood. A supportive neighborhood with incredible amenities within walking distance is what many want and deserve. We are excited to utilize a variety of partnerships with businesses and other providers.
How many residents will Vanguard Landing serve?
Phase One will support up to 128 residents in individual homes and townhomes, with a mix of neurodiverse participants and neuro-typical adults living independently within the neighborhood. Future phases may expand capacity based on needs and demand.
Will there be any endowment funds established?
We have established three endowment funds to help sustain Vanguard Landing into the future and keep our programs accessible. Donors can contribute to the Scholarship Endowment, the Maintenance Fund Endowment, and The Van Garden Endowment.
Will there be transportation for residents?
Yes, transportation supports will be arranged based on individual plans for medical appointments, employment, community participation, and other goals. Additional transportation support is available based on need and scheduling. Additional monthly cost may be assessed based on residents’ needs and use.
What are the housing arrangements? How many people will live in a cottage?
Vanguard Landing offers two different living arrangements: five-bedroom, one-story cottages, and one-bedroom, one-story townhomes. Each home will be single-gender. The exception would be a married couple renting a one-bedroom rowhouse. Housing placements are coordinated based on individual preferences, support needs, and compatibility — always within person-centered planning rather than a centralized program assignment.
Is a Phase Two or beyond planned?
Phase One is our focus with our first expansion being raised currently. We do not have a definite date set as to when we would start building more housing/buildings. We are assessing the needs of our residents carefully and planning our next steps accordingly.
Where did the name "Vanguard Landing" come from?
When our Founder began her research, she also researched words that meant “forward thinking,” “unstoppable,” and “strong.” She discovered the word “Vanguard,” which means “leaders of an action or movement in society.” Then, a fellow parent thought “well, it should sound like a safe place to land, how about “Landing?”
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