As students browsed the Homewood High School club fair at the beginning of the school year, they may have noticed a new club called ourHOME.
The ourHOME team is dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. This initiative offers students a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their community through volunteering.
ourHOME is a nonprofit organization outside of HHS that was established in 2023. One of its main goals is to provide housing options for adults with cognitive disabilities. The HHS club is a chapter of the larger organization with a student focus.
Housing for adults with cognitive disabilities in Alabama is extremely limited. By offering personalized housing options in walkable neighborhoods, ourHOME provides access to social connections and work opportunities.
“We believe that the school club will benefit everyone involved,” said executive director Amanda Owens. “Homewood is the perfect place for ourHOME because it brings together service providers who understand intellectual disabilities in a walkable community that has continually demonstrated remarkable understanding and support for individuals with diverse developmental differences.”
The club came to life when HHS junior Jane Fowlkes discovered the organization through her neighbor, Owens. Fowlkes and some of her peers wanted to get involved to drive change in the community and founded the HHS chapter.
“Before ourHOME, we had the Best Buddies club at HHS,” Fowlkes said. “You became friends with one person, and you only talked to that one person, which didn’t really build the community. It was great, but I think we need to build more relationships and serve our community more.”
The organization’s involvement with the school will allow students to learn about disabilities and developmental differences and participate in volunteer opportunities within the Homewood community.
Jenny Firth teaches chemistry at HHS and sponsors the ourHOME club. She said she wants to support the non-profit organization by serving as student hosts and ambassadors at their events.
One recurring event hosted by the club is Sunday Social. Club members gather on weekends to hang out and build community. It creates a safe place for individuals with disabilities to play games, enjoy food and learn to be more independent.
Along with fun events like Sunday Social, the club is planning more activities to raise money and further support the community. By participating in these events, club members can come together to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
