Empowering Adults with Developmental Disabilities in The Villages with a Home of Their Own
About Us
My Special Place (MSP) is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families in The Villages and surrounding areas. MSP has one goal – to investigate opportunities for quality housing in a safe and enriching environment for those in and around The Villages, and find quality programs to manage it.
MSP is led by a board of professionals in healthcare, law, business, education, real estate, and advocacy—many of whom have personal connections to individuals with IDD. We understand the challenges families face, especially as caregivers age and seek sustainable housing solutions for their loved ones.
My Special Place Board
President: Kristy Sullivan
Vice President: Deborah Beaucaire
Treasurer: Melissa Baker
Board Members
- John Maciarz
- Patricia LaChance
- Annette Vogt
- Mike Koss
- Sharon Gimpel
- Tammy Piper
- Cindy Atkinson
- Amy Cearley
Our Mission
Our mission is to create safe, high-quality residential options for adults with IDD that align with a quality lifestyle. We aim to build a vibrant, inclusive community that offers:
- Safe and fulfilling housing
- Opportunities for social and recreational engagement
- Access to employment and day programs
- Dignity, independence, and care for life
We believe families who have supported a loved one for decades deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their future is secure.
My Special Place Shares Mission Update
On June 19th, Kristy Sullivan, the Board President of My Special Place, hosted a Zoom meeting to share an update on their mission. They’re looking to find a service provider with experience in delivering residential housing and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in The Villages, Florida, and nearby communities. The goal is to help these individuals live safe, fulfilling, and enjoyable lives, while also creating opportunities for social engagement, recreation, and employment, so they can reach their full potential. The meeting was a great opportunity for attendees to ask questions and share their ideas.
My Special Place Advances IDD Housing Plans
At this July 17th forum, guest speaker Cindy McClymonds, owner of At Your Service Professional Guardians, shared powerful real-life stories and insights about the challenges families face when future care planning for their adult children or relatives with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is delayed—sometimes until it’s too late to manage alone.
Following her presentation, the board of My Special Place provided exciting updates on their ongoing mission to develop local residential options for the IDD community in The Villages. Board President Kristy Sullivan outlined details about properties currently under consideration, including their locations, proposed housing models, and the types of support services that would help residents live safely, independently, and meaningfully.
Who We Serve
We support families living in The Villages and surrounding areas who have adult children or relatives with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Our focus includes the broader Villages region, which spans Sumter, Marion, and Lake counties.
Currently, nearly 2,400 individuals in these three counties are either receiving or waiting for state-provided IDD services. In addition, based on national statistics, it’s estimated that over 1,500 residents within The Villages may have an intellectual or developmental disability.
Our Journey So Far
Over the past five years, MSP has explored multiple paths to bring this vision to life:
- A dedicated IDD community with apartments, villas, and on-site opportunities for employment and social interaction. This plan was declined by The Villages developer due to insufficient land available.
- A partnership with an assisted living facility was explored before the COVID-19 pandemic, but post-pandemic construction costs proved prohibitive.
- A request to lease existing assisted living buildings in The Villages was not able to be realized. However, the developer expressed support for MSP’s mission and willingness to collaborate if MSP could secure property and a development partner.
These efforts laid the foundation for renewed momentum in 2025.
A New Beginning
In early 2025, MSP was reinvigorated by a combination of new family members and past board members. Together, we’re reimagining solutions to housing challenges facing our IDD community. Our current efforts focus on:
- Identifying needs and priorities
- Developing a new and achievable vision
- Exploring viable and timely housing options
- Interviewing and evaluating experienced, high-quality service providers who specialize in providing services to the developmentally disabled
My Special Place is pursuing the acquisition of two former assisted living buildings at 1475 El Camino Real in The Villages to create inclusive housing for adults with IDD. The properties include 44 private residential units across two buildings – one designed for more independent living with supportive services and the other for individuals needing full-time care. Located near Spanish Springs Town Square and key amenities, the site is golf cart accessible and ideal for community engagement. With existing infrastructure in place, the project offers a fast-track solution to meet urgent housing needs, potentially opening within months. Read more…
Why This Matters
The Villages is the fastest-growing metro area in the United States—now larger than both Boca Raton and Miami Beach. Yet despite this rapid growth, there are still very few residential options nearby that are specifically designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The closest facilities are often 45 to 60 minutes away and may not be appropriate for higher-functioning individuals within the IDD community. What’s urgently needed is a local, inclusive housing model that can support a wide range of needs and abilities. With family caregivers aging, the time to act is now—lasting care solutions for their loved ones can’t wait.
Our Vision
As a start-up model within The Villages, we envision a modern, thoughtfully designed residential community with:
- 40+ Units of safe, affordable, quality housing for a range of developmental disabilities
- 24/7 care and oversight by an experienced IDD service provider
- Dining facilities with dietary services
- Medical, behavioral, and health management
- Structured day programs and recreational activities
- Smart technology for security and ease of care
- Employment opportunities and transportation support
- Access to The Villages amenities, all golf cart accessible
We’re working on:
- Touring established IDD residential communities across Florida
- Interviewing experienced service providers
- Researching potential properties in and around The Villages
- Exploring licensing and state regulatory requirements
- Evaluating the physical and medical needs of future residents
- Investigating financing options
- Considering an on-site structured day program
Join Us
If you’ve been touched by this challenge, we’re looking for people with skills, time, or passion to help make My Special Place a reality. Volunteers and partners expand our impact—every hour, voice, and dollar counts. Whether you’re a concerned neighbor, a business owner, or simply someone who cares, we welcome you to join us and see how you can help.
Whether you’re looking to get involved, share your story, or simply learn more, we’d love to hear from you. ✉️
