The Salem journey has a different beginning for each family. For Cindi it began with a major life transition and move. Despite the change, in her heart she will always be Nicole’s mom. She knew letting her daughter grow in her next steps of independence meant a new direction.  

‍Cindy Behnke: It’s such a joy to interview you about your daughter, Nicole, and your experience with Salem. Nicole is such a fun, energetic sweetheart! Can you tell our readers when she moved to Salem and to what home?
‍Cindi R.: It was nine years ago when she moved into Wester Home, and she continues to live at Wester.
‍
CB: How did you first hear of Salem?
‍CR: This is what’s so crazy about this! Has to be a God-thing. I worked on Salem’s Main Campus as a teenager. Later when I was raising my family, we landed in Northern California – and lived there 14 years. We longed to come back to So Cal. I was ready to retire from the school district and I wanted to come be a grandma to my grandbabies living in Southern California. It seemed like this would be the best time for Nicole to move out from living with me! She was and continues to be so active and do things. I couldn’t do for her what Salem has done for her!

CB: So, why Salem?
CR: We toured a few other group homes in Southern California, and Salem was our last visit that day. When we walked into Wester Home, Cheryl’s sister (another resident) met us there. It was the first group home that I had ever seen that LOOKED like a home. You could tell the people living there cared about their home! I met some of the girls, the staff and thought, “It doesn’t get better than this.” I talked and prayed it over with family and knew this would be the best transition for her. And to come full circle? To come back around to where I worked decades ago, and didn’t imagine I would need Salem one day for my own family? You just can’t orchestrate this yourself! A full circle.

CB: When did you know it was time for Nicole to transition from under your wings?
CR: Nicole had always been at home, for 30 years, with her dad and me. My husband, Vern, Nicole’s father, had passed five years before moving to Salem. When he passed away, I told my regional center in Norcal that I wasn’t ready to leave another person. But then when I retired and moved back down to Southern California, it was time. Being out from under a parent’s wings forces issues where they need help or to change. Salem (and her day program) really have done this for her! We are just so fortunate Salem had the perfect opening for her.

CB: What would you say Nicole loves most about Salem? And what about you?
‍ CR: Nicole loves outings and her housemates, having friends to live with! And the staff. The staff’s interaction with her. They just don’t sit there; they care and know her. She loves it all. For myself, I like that it has stretched her! It forced her to grow into an adult. I love it when she comes home, and I see her growth. I feel like I would have been stifling her otherwise!

CB: I love how you get your family so involved in whatever Salem has going on, to show Nicole love and support but also engage with Salem as a whole. What Salem events do you go to?
CR: I love supporting Salem. And we especially love the gala, it’s just so fun for my whole family! Even the grandkids. They get to see that Nicole is just as good as everyone else. This is her realm and it’s so special for them to see Salem and the beautiful work being done.

CB: Have there been any hardships with the transition to Salem that you were or were not expecting?
CR: My hardship was letting her let go of her friendships up in Northern California. But her one friend still comes down a couple times a year. Yes, but that’s really it. Just leaving friendships from us moving so far away.

CB: How often does Nicole like to come home?
CR: Every other weekend. Then she doesn’t miss out on too much with her friends!

CB: If you could encourage other families to consider residential care at Salem for their loved one, what would you say to them?
‍ CR: Don’t be afraid to take that step! We know it’s huge. It will always be. As a parent, you never let go fully, but your child really can grow and blossom. We wouldn’t be able to give them that. But Salem can! Be encouraged to take the step of faith. You don’t know how it’s going to turn out. But trusting God will always prove worth it.