Land O' Lakes Woman Opens Home to Developmentally Disabled Children

Working with people with developmental disabilities is her passion, Tiffany Thomas said.

So much so, that she made it her round-the-clock job.

She opened the Thomas Group Home in Land O' Lakes last July after serving as the director of a Bay area adult day training service for seven years. When she left that post, she knew she wanted to continue helping others achieve their fullest potential.

Now a Medicaid provider and licensed through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Thomas founded Emerging People LLC and opened her home to developmentally disabled children, providing residential rehabilitation, respite and behavior services.

Developmental disability is a broad term that refers to a variety of conditions that interfere with a person's ability to function in everyday activities. The Florida Statues define developmental disabilities as spina bifida, autism, cerebal palsy, Prader-Willi syndrome and mental retardation.

“The children live here full time. These children were not taken away from their parents, these parents chose to place their child in a residential setting because they needed the help and support to care for their children. Many times their behaviors are out of control,” Thomas said.

When a family decides to place a loved one in a residential setting, a support coordinator and the family will visit several homes and ultimately it is the child and the family’s decision where they choose to live, Thomas said.

“Each child living at the Thomas Group Home chose to live here,” she said.

There are three children at the home now, which is licensed for up to six. Some of the kids visit their families every other weekend, but Emerging People is responsible for all of their care and needs, including school enrollment and medical appointments.

Because of the challenging behavior issues, it’s not always an easy task to keep up with a houseful of kids, but Thomas relishes the opportunity.

“Each kid knows that I have an open door policy and I encourage them to talk to me about anything bothering them. Rather than trying to suppress their emotions to decrease their behaviors, we find ways to let it out,” Thomas said.

“Everyone, including myself, gets angry or has a bad day, but rather than punching a wall or being engaged in self-injurious behaviors, they are taught how to release their anger in appropriate ways.”

Some kids take martial arts, some run at the track, some hit a punching bag, some just need time away and alone, Thomas said.

The children can remain at the Thomas Home until adulthood if they choose; however, the goal is to teach them to become independent.

From bathing, cooking, and doing laundry to safety skills, manners and financial awareness, Thomas and the Emerging People staff work with the children to build both their knowledge and their confidence.

“All of the skills that we may take for granted, it is our job at Emerging People to empower each individual, with the skills that they need to emerge into all that they wish to be in the future, making each person independent citizens in the community at work, play, school and at home,” Thomas said.

Thomas and her daughter, Mariah, 12, enjoy spending time with the kids. The home has a real family feel, she said.

“These kids are learning how to be a part of a family unit. We all have to maintain the home, which means we do chores together, and we all cheer one another on in our accomplishments,” Thomas said.

“All three kids went to Mariah's recent martial arts tournament and it was priceless to see them saying ‘Come on Mariah, you can do it!’ ”

And Mariah goes to their art shows and softball games to cheer them on right back.

“The kids know without a doubt that we love them, and the staff I have know that the kids are family,” Thomas said.

The kids at Emerging People could use some help from the community, too.

"Clothing, art supplies snacks and food are always appreciated, they are three growing teens! Gift cards for food is of course appreciated. Even baked cookies the kids would love," Thomas said.

If you are interested in making a new or gently used clothing donation:

Girl: age 14 size 14-16 clothes, shoes 4-5

Boy: Age 13 size 14-16 clothes, shoes 11-12 mens

Boy: age 11 size 12 clothes, shoes 3 - 4 boys

Emerging People also is hiring part-time staff. Applicants must have experience working with developmentally disabled individuals, Thomas said.

To arrange a donation drop off or to inquire about the positions available, call Tiffany Thomas at 813-600-0822.

Editor's note: Emerging People is not a nonprofit organization, so your donations are not tax deductible, however they are greatly appreciated.