Maximizing Support

Easterseals Northeast Indiana owns and leases several group homes where four to eight individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live together with 24/7 support.

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About Group Homes

The group home environment gives individuals the opportunity to develop relationships with roommates as they learn life skills. In comparing Easterseals Northeast Indiana’s group homes to other programs or providers, here are some things to consider:

Our person-centered group home living environment fosters independence, relationship-building, and life skills development. For individuals who have been denied the CIH Waiver, our group homes provide a safe, structured setting designed to promote health, personal growth, and community integration. By choosing Easterseals Northeast Indiana’s group home services, families can trust that their loved ones are in a supportive, person-centered environment designed for safety, growth, and community participation.

Comprehensive Group Home Support

Funding for our group homes includes:

  • Nursing Coordination: A licensed nurse oversees all aspects of medical care, ensuring timely communication between physicians, therapists, and caregivers. This includes conducting thorough quarterly health assessments to monitor chronic conditions, updating individualized care plans, and coordinating specialists when needed. Residents benefit from scheduled physicals, dental checkups, and vision exams, as well as prompt follow-up on any emerging health concerns, which promotes early intervention and consistent wellness.

  • Customized Day Program Options: Each resident has the opportunity to choose day programs that align with their personal goals—whether that’s building vocational skills in a supported work setting, participating in social activities that foster friendships and life skills, or engaging in therapeutic services such as art therapy, music therapy, or behavioral supports. Our team works closely with residents and their support circles to evaluate interests and abilities, then designs a weekly schedule that balances skill-building, recreation, and community engagement. This individualized approach encourages independence, boosts self-esteem, and ensures meaningful, goal-oriented days.

  • Transportation Services: Reliable, accessible transportation allows residents to maintain a high level of independence and stay connected with the wider community. Funding covers door-to-door transportation for medical appointments, day program participation, job site visits, and leisure activities like movie nights or family outings. Whether using wheelchair-accessible vans or other specialized vehicles, our transportation services are coordinated in advance to fit each resident’s schedule, reduce wait times, and eliminate barriers to participation. This consistency not only enhances social engagement but also provides families and caregivers with peace of mind knowing that residents can safely travel to and from all planned activities.

Our Group Home Locations

Easterseals Northeast Indiana owns or leases:

  • Allen County: 8 fully furnished group homes in comfortable, community-based neighborhoods.

  • Whitley County: 3 group homes designed with safety features, accessible layouts, and supportive amenities

Each home is designed to support residents in a comfortable, community-based setting.

Person-Centered Planning

Our person-centered planning approach prioritizes each resident’s strengths, preferences, and goals. Residents participate actively in service planning and daily routines, ensuring that individualized support aligns with their unique needs.

Health, Safety, and Nutritional Standards

  • All staff are CPR certified, trained in first aid, and receive individual-specific training before working with any resident. A registered dietitian performs annual nutritional assessments, and each home follows a dietitian-approved menu to ensure balanced meals. Annual inspections by the Board of Health and the local fire marshal guarantee a healthy, hazard-free living environment.

24/7 Support Line

Our 24-hour call center is available every day of the week at 260.969.4254. Whether you’re a resident, family member, nurse, or staff, help is always just a phone call away.

Safety Inspections

Each group home undergoes annual inspections by the Board of Health and local fire marshal to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.

Eligibility & Intake

To determine eligibility for a group home placement:

    • Contact District 3 of the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) at 260.423.2571 or 877.218.3061.

    • You can also visit the local BDDS office at:
      201 E. Rudisill Boulevard, Suite 300, Fort Wayne, IN 46806

If you’re seeking a living arrangement with a more family-like structure, consider Structured Family Caregiving.

If you’re looking for a more independent living arrangement, consider Supported Living.

Service Locations

Easterseals Northeast Indiana

For more information about enrolling in services, please contact us at agencyintakes@esarc.org or 260.456.4534 

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

4919 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825

260.456.4534

Easterseals Northeast Indiana

For more information about enrolling in services, please contact us at agencyintakes@esarc.org or 260.456.4534.

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

333 N Oak St, Columbia City, IN 46725

260.244.9331

Connect with Us

We look forward to helping you create a support plan with the services that meet your unique needs.

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