Episode 80 - Jess's Story - Raising Lucas, Creating a Group Home, & Supporting Caregivers with "Grit & Grace"

Jess Ronne was brave enough to ask the question: what happens when the cute little boy with profound disabilities ... grows up? I found Jess on her podcast, Coffee with Caregivers, when she and her husband were exploring this question in regards to their teenage son, Lucas, who has profound autism. As if that wasn't enough, they were also raising seven other kids. Through a lot of hard work and prayer, they were able to create Hope Farm, a group home for Lucas and three other young adults, where they have 24-hour care, but also the independence that they need. Jess shares honestly about how Lucas's disability was affecting her marriage, her home, and her other children and how they can now breathe a little easier and truly enjoy their time with Lucas. Jess is a visionary and a strong advocate for respite for caregivers. She is an author, a podcast host, founder of a non-profit, and has been involved in two documentaries - and remember, she has done all this while having eight children! I am so thankful she agreed to talk today about this very important topic that is so often avoided. I encourage you all to check out her amazing content and resources below!

IG @jessplusthemess, FB at Jessplusthemess

www.jessplusthemess.com (Click on "Books" to learn more and order all 4 books!)

www.thelucasproject.org

Coffee with Caregivers Podcast: https://anchor.fm/jess-ronneUnseen documentary: https://caregiverdoc.com/