If you missed the news on April 8, Gabriel Homes launched its new logo and website.
A New Look
The logo, which features a home sheltering a tree, represents how the organization and residents have grown over 40 years. When you visit the new gabrielhomes.org, you can access more content than ever by using the site’s sleek new design.
Content on the website now includes Gabriel Homes’ history and residents’ stories. With so much information on each page, the community has been buzzing about the changes.
We reached out to the community to get their thoughts since the site launched. Here’s what they had to say:
As a parent of an adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I believe the new gabrielhomes.org shows that people with IDD can lead full, semi-independent lives. Gabriel Homes proves that the residents are part of the community.
Linda, parent of a resident
I now have a much more complete view of Gabriel Homes and the residents. The new website reveals more than I ever knew!
-George Dellagiarino, friend of Gabriel Homes and member of Saint John Neumann Catholic Church
The work of the community makes you feel like you’re making new friends at Gabriel Homes. Discovering the unique talents and sharing them are big parts of what makes life so beautiful.
Chris Brasco, friend of Gabriel Homes and member of Saint John Neumann Catholic Church
"I sent the website out to the Knights of Columbus as soon as I saw it. The new pages are laid out well and are easy to navigate. There’s a wealth of information on the website, and it shows the residents are really remarkable people.”
-Bill Bob, member of the Knights of Columbus Arlington Chapter
Read more stories from our community:
Community Corner: It’s An Annual Tradition! July 12, 2024 Read More Community Corner: You’ve Got a Friend in Me June 9, 2024 Read More Community Reacts to the New Gabrielhomes.org April 25, 2024 Read More dddcd
Singing isn’t only fun – belting out your favorite tunes can also relieve stress, strengthen your immune system, and build your confidence.
One former Gabriel Homes staff member lends his voice and instruments to the residents by playing music with them. Bill Partlow visits one of two homes every Thursday evening with a collection of songbooks to share with the group.
“We all have such a good time because Thursdays are our chances to be silly,” Bill says. “We live what feels like a second childhood when we play our favorite songs and jam along to them.”
Everyone sits in a circle with their books and sings as Bill strums his guitar. Song choices are varied, but residents consistently pick their favorites.
John likes to bring his bongos to add a little percussion to Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” Caryn, on the other hand, likes to swing her arms to “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” with choreography Bill showed them. Shelby holds a fast rhythm shaking her maracas to John Denver’s “Country Roads.”
“I like being with all my friends for song sessions,” John says. “When Bill comes over, I’m the first one down the stairs with my drums. I keep a smile on my face for hours after Bill leaves because I have so much fun with him.”
Bill has been conducting song sessions for years, and he’s not putting the guitar away any time soon.
“The residents are like family to me. They’re wonderful to be around, so I love that I can bring us all together through music.” 
Bill Partlow Gabriel Homes Volunteer
You can get involved today!
Do you have any special skills like painting, cooking, or dancing you want to share with others? Learn about how you can share your talents with residents at gabrielhomes.org.
See more singing from Gabriel Homes!
A Radical Idea
In 1982, Gabriel Homes’ founders had, at the time, a radical idea that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) could live independently. Gabriel Homes supports over 20 adults today who can live independently and achieve their dreams.
The move from family to independence isn’t easy, though. Like moving into your college dorm, the process can feel unknown and scary. The first few nights in a new home can feel unsettling, but with time, it becomes familiar and comforting. You begin to build your new community, and they rally around to support you.
Gabriel Homes spoke with Linda, a parent of one of the residents. She shared her experiences with her daughter’s move and how Gabriel Homes empowers her and her daughter today.
How did you and your daughter originally feel about her moving into her own space?
“Kari moved to Gabriel Homes in 2001 when she was young. Both she and I were unsure about moving. I did all her cooking, laundry, and other chores, and I didn’t know who would do these things for her.
“The answer was Kari learned how. Gabriel Homes taught Kari how to live independently, and they helped her when she needed assistance doing tasks for the first time.”
What did the before-and-after look like for Kari's move?
“Before she moved, she didn’t want to leave home; today she doesn't want to come back! She goes to the Reston concert with her best friends, and they're able to take the bus to the show without any help.
“I also wasn’t sure how she’d adjust to working, but she told me she loved her job at ECHO. Living on her own, Kari lives a life like everyone else.”
How has independent living made a difference in both of your lives?
“For my husband and me, it’s allowed us the freedom to travel the world. Even when we’re in a different country, we feel secure knowing Kari is safe, and Gabriel Homes staff holds her accountable for doing her chores. Gabriel Homes brings me great comfort knowing she will be O.K.
“More importantly, Kari is a far more confident person. She lets me know what she wants to do, and she’s capable of making her own decisions. As an independent person, Kari has a home and a community that are there for her and supportive of her goals.”
What advice do you have for family members of adults with IDD?
“Give your family member the opportunity to live independently as soon as possible. They may make mistakes, but they'll also learn and grow from them. You'll be surprised how bright they are when you give them a chance.”
Are you interested in applying for Gabriel Homes?
Visit our Prospective Residents page to get all the information you need for yourself or your loved one.
Learn more