A Message from our Founders

Carl Sandberg once said, “Nothing happens unless first a dream.” On the evening of October 29, 1998, my wife, Paulette and I witnessed the birth of a dream right in our own home! Let us take you back twenty-two years. Our third child was born with significant brain damage resulting in her need for twenty-four-hour-a-day care, seven days a week. Over the years, in the midst of our struggles, heartache, and sometimes almost overwhelming difficulties of parenting Jessica, God’s grace has been evident, His faithfulness shown time and again.

We have always tried to make Jessica the center of our family with everyone sacrificing and helping with her care.  It has all been worthwhile as we see her smiling face, sweet temperament, and love for life. Since Jessica was born we have asked God how He is going to use her in our lives to bring Him glory. Over the years the Lord has given us many open doors of opportunity ministering to others with special needs and those who are hurting.

As Jessica is getting older (along with us), we realize that we will not always be here to care for her. As are many other parents who have special needs children, we are burdened for her future. Thus God has given us a desire to provide Christ-centered homes where developmentally disabled adults can sense the love of Christ and, through compassionate care and training, be given the opportunity to reach their potential.

As we have talked with individuals in various agencies across York County who are providers for employment, and group homes for the disabled, all agree that there are waiting lists for both of these services. This solidifies the need in our mind to provide this kind of home from a Christian perspective.

For many months prior to our first meeting, we had been talking to interested individuals, asking if they would be willing to share this burden with us and serve on an Advisory Committee. Now let us take you back to October 29, 1998, when we had our first meeting with twelve in attendance. After sharing our vision, at the stroke of 9:00 p.m. the name Jessica and Friends Community was adopted and the birth of our dream was realized! 

We have obtained nonprofit status, formed a support group, developed a mailing list, received generous financial support and purchased our first home. On June 24, 2002, Jessica and two other beautiful young women moved into our first home in York with a wonderful staff of spirit filled caregivers. We look forward to opening many more homes! God is doing above what we ever thought possible!

Peter & Paulette Teague