CHTFWI’s Origin Story

When did CHTFWI begin?

CHTFWI began in mid-2018. The group started as a few moms meeting together, dreaming of sustainable living solutions for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Emily, Shari, Barbara, and Linda connected when Barbara, whose son was close to 21, started reaching out to parents and families in the Wauwatosa, WI area. These moms reached out to the entire community of parents with kids with IDD, and they coordinated a big meeting in late 2018 at GE Healthcare. This meeting was a call to action for parents to understand where they were in their journey. As they started gathering people, they realized the real need for quality and affordable housing for people with IDD in our community. At that meeting, the Task Force truly formed.

Why was CHTFWI created?

At that first meeting in late 2018, the founding members were listening to parents and their concerns, and they discovered a tremendous need for housing for people with IDD. They felt compelled to form a Task Force that focuses on how we can address that need and how we can take action to reduce it.

Who are the founding members of the Task Force?

Linda Bader, Emily Peters, Shari Weingrod, and Barbara Wells were the women who started it all. Shortly after they began their work, Dawn Nuoffer and Amy Hansel joined the Executive Committee of the Task Force.

How has CHTFWI progressed since its inception?

CHTFWI has progressed from a parent group to a formal, advocate-led organization. It now includes not only parents, but thought leaders, advocacy organizations, community partners, philanthropic partners, and more. The Task Force showcases real examples of what can be done in disability housing. Founding member Emily Peters says, “One of the most wonderful things about the Task Force is that we’ve brought awareness to the housing problem in Wisconsin and to things happening around the country and the world that benefit people with IDD.” Any movement starts small. The Task Force started with a few people with like-minded ideas and passion for a goal — and that’s what will get things done.