We all know that a good family home succeeds or fails not because of money or credentials, but because of the people who run it. That's why we wanted to meet Irene, who directs Casa Maria Grazia together with her husband Michael.
Why did you choose this work?
When I was younger, I worked in an office. The real turning point came during my pregnancy. I asked myself: if I learned my child had a disability, would I still have him? The answer was yes. After Anna was born, I left my job and studied abroad in a Steiner-based training program. I wanted to bring what I learned back to Italy.
What does this training involve?
It's not a university program. Over three years, I gained both theoretical and practical knowledge—mostly practical. The course ends with a state diploma as a "socio-therapist," which is roughly equivalent to an Italian "community educator for adults." The program also includes a year of supervised work in a group setting.
Did you have similar experience before Casa Maria Grazia?
I've always had disabled children among my friends. My first playmate was a boy with hydrocephalus. He wanted me to get close to the goats—which frightened me—and I wanted to teach him not to wet himself. Neither of us succeeded, but we were good friends.
How do you balance family life with running this expanded household? And how does your daughter experience this unusual way of living?
We live normally. Everyone has their own needs and space. We structure each day around what each person requires. Michael and I have our own small apartment within the house.
We have time to ourselves at lunch, when everyone is at work or school, and of course in the evenings and every other weekend.
Anna goes to school, swimming lessons, and all the usual things children do. If I can't take her somewhere, someone else does. She doesn't miss anything essential—bedtime stories or any of the attention she needs. It requires wisdom and self-awareness, though.
Anna has had to make her own choices. At first she didn't want to invite her friends over. Then she invited everyone. Then she chose a few. You have to be clear about boundaries. I tell her: "I do this special work, but in return I'm always home—not gone to an office from morning to night."
Even though I'm busy, I don't feel confined.
What are your exact responsibilities?
I manage the house—which doesn't mean being present every moment, but coordinating it with care. I do the shopping, handle household work, help the residents as needed. I'm supported by a housekeeper in the mornings, two volunteers, a conscientious objector, and two part-time staff. Michael tends the garden and orchard, and he leads the residents in cultural activities.
What makes this a true family home?
Shared living is essential—literally putting life in common. That's the foundation. Like in any family, the residents set the table, clear it, and help in the kitchen. On a human level, we pay close attention to each person. Our training emphasizes observation and listening. The residents are heard as much as possible, individually. It requires the willingness to talk and listen without judgment. We don't have a television in the house because it interferes with relationships. I can say that the residents are friends with each other now—and that matters deeply for a home to work.
Interview by Nicole and Huberta, 1999
How Casa Maria Grazia Works
The family home opened in 1998.
It welcomes seven adult residents with intellectual disabilities—three men and four women—who have sufficient independence.
A young couple with a ten-year-old daughter directs it.
The three-story house sits in the center of Capena, near Rome, surrounded by a large garden. It has been renovated and furnished simply and tastefully. Bedrooms have two beds each; the ground floor contains the kitchen and a large living area. The directors have their own small independent apartment within the house.
During the day, all residents leave for activities at the protected workshop "Casa Loie" or other centers. They return at 3:30 p.m. Every other weekend, they return to their families.
Casa Maria Grazia is privately run and owned by the "Loie Francis Lee" Association. The purchase was made possible through large and small donations collected over many years by parents and friends who believed in the project.
The board includes parents, educators, and friends.
At present, the home receives no funding from the local or regional government.
It is financed through monthly fees of 1.8 million lire paid by the parents of each resident.
Info:
Address: via Martolana 10 - 00060 Capena (RM)
Phone: +39.06.90.33.833 ; 06 9074067
Website: http://www.associazioneloic.org/