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By Heather Bennett Eye

In the heart of South Walton, a new kind of living community is taking shape, one built not just with brick and mortar, but with love, determination, and a belief that everyone deserves the chance to live a full and independent life. Established as a 501(c)(3), Harlan’s Place is a nonprofit housing community designed for adults with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities, created by parents who dared to imagine a brighter future for their son and for countless families who share the same hopes.

Harlan Carey, who’s now eight, is at the heart of this vision. Like all parents, his family dreamed of a life where he could make his own choices, form friendships, and experience the everyday joys of independence. Yet, they also faced a reality familiar to many families of individuals with disabilities, ‘What will happen when we can no longer provide care?’ From that question, Harlan’s Place was born. “I was looking at what his future looked like, and how I wanted him to live his adult life,” said Harlan’s father and Harlan’s Place founder, Michael Carey. “I started doing a bunch of research. Everything was either institutional or a group home. That’s just not what I had envisioned.”

Out of that concern, Harlan’s Place was born. Michael is committed to building a living environment that goes beyond traditional models of disability care. The goal is simple but powerful: to create a place where people with Down syndrome can thrive, grow, and belong while maintaining dignity, purpose, and independence, and giving families peace of mind when thinking about their child’s future. “Every other parent is having the same challenge. Hopefully, we can resolve that for many,” said Michael.

Located next to Stock & Trade Design, Co., the community will feature 60 thoughtfully designed apartment homes for adults who do not require licensed medical care. Each residence will offer a safe, welcoming environment that encourages self-reliance while providing the support needed to succeed. But Harlan’s Place is much more than housing. It’s a purposefully designed apartment community where residents can enjoy shared amenities such as a swimming pool, a walking trail, and a clubhouse for social gatherings. There’s also a communal dining space where residents can enjoy a meal together. For residents who want to cook, they will be able to grab ingredients and directions to prepare meals at home.

There will also be recreational activities to promote physical health, creativity, and connection. There will be sporting classes, basketball, and pickleball, along with the outdoor walking trail. “Something will be happening all the time in the gymnasium,” said Michael. “There are going to be so many activities. We just want people that had their day packed to feel accomplished.”

Harlan’s Place also believes that true independence comes from being part of the greater community. Residents will have opportunities for job training, volunteering, and community integration, ensuring they become active, valued members of South Walton and the surrounding areas. “We want people that are outgoing, and they want to have responsibility, they want to have interactions with people. They want to show what they can do,” stated Michael. “I’ve been reaching out to people to put together a culinary program,” he adds. “Not only for individuals that live there, but for any intellectually disabled people that want to come to just do the program, and for even those without disabilities to do the program.” Michael also sees potential for the culinary program to lead to a business that provides pastries for local shops and cafes.

“I want this to be a part of the community where we can offer services. If there needs to be speech therapy for a young child, we’re not going to be worried about how someone’s going to pay for it. We’ll work with the resources we have and not be focused on the bottom line that so many businesses are focused on,” said Michael.

At its core, Harlan’s Place represents a promise to families, to individuals with Down syndrome, and to the community at large, that a future filled with purpose and possibility is not only achievable but worth building together. This is not just a residence. It is a community of hope, where independence is nurtured, uniqueness is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to belong. “We’re a nonprofit. Everything is going back into serving these individuals and helping them find everything they need,” said Michael.

While they haven’t broken ground yet, they are hopeful this is the year of great things to come. They secured their development order at the end of last year and are about 40% through with the construction design while they wait on financing. “We’ve had great feedback, and community involvement. We’ve had two galas now with tremendous support,” stated Michael. “I feel like this is going to be the year that we really make some good ground coverage.”

Michael hopes that the model of Harlan’s Place can be adopted and put into place all around the country. “We’re going to prove how this is successful. It’ll be something easily replicable, something every community would want because it brings positivity to a community and brings a necessity,” stated Michael. “We can grow it from here, and we can show what an asset these individuals can be to businesses in life. I can see it taking off and multiplying once we get off the ground.”

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South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information