A Family Home Provider Story
Tamara and Travis Moten have always had a heart for helping others. As certified Cedar Lake Family Home Providers (FHPs), they’ve found a fulfilling way to support an individual with intellectual and developmental disability, all while balancing full-time careers and a busy family life.
Tamara, a vendor support manager at Norton Healthcare, is pursuing an online degree in Organizational Leadership at Colorado State University. Travis works as a security officer for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and has a background in group home settings. Together, they welcomed Sara, an individual supported by Cedar Lake, into their home in July. Thanks to the services provided by Cedar Lake, including the Cedar Lake Enrichment Center (CLEC) and transportation, the Motens have been able to continue their professional lives while ensuring Sara receives the care she needs.
A Supportive Partnership
The Motens’ journey into Family Home Provider care began when they were looking for a new caregiving option following years of foster care. After completing the certification process together, they were matched with Sara. The matching process involved four visits and three overnight stays with Sara, allowing everyone to become comfortable and ensure it was a good fit.
What made the transition easier was the strong family connection Sara already had with her brother, sister-in-law, and mother, who remain involved in her life. For Tamara and Travis, this connection was a key factor in choosing Sara, as it provided valuable insights into her needs and preferences. They’ve continued to work closely with her family, including coordinating with a nutritionist to help Sara gain weight and improve her health.
A vital part of making the arrangement work is Sara’s daily attendance at the Cedar Lake Enrichment Center, where she spends five days a week. Cedar Lake’s transportation services ensure she can get to and from the center, allowing the Motens to continue their work schedules while knowing Sara is engaged in enriching activities.
Integrating Sara Into Family Life
The Moten household is a lively one, with two children who have adjusted well to having Sara as part of their daily life. “Our nephew visits often, and he calls her ‘Auntie,'” Tamara shared. “They love spending time with her.” Whether walking to the mailbox in their neighborhood, listening to jazz music on the back deck, or flipping through magazines, Sara has become an easy fit for their family.
Making a Difference
For Tamara, becoming a Family Home Provider is deeply meaningful. “You’re providing something for someone that someone else can’t,” she said. “Sara’s mom couldn’t care for her like she needed to due to her own health problems. We know we’re making a difference in her life, making things a little easier for her.”
Tamara and Travis take immense pride in the work they do as FHPs. They share caregiving duties, ensuring that one of them can always be available for Sara while the other manages errands or other family activities. From attending church picnics to outings at the park, they’ve made sure that Sara is included in their family life.
The Motens’ experience as Cedar Lake Family Home Providers shows how the right support—like the services from Cedar Lake Enrichment Center and Cedar Lake Transportation—can make it possible to change someone’s life for the better, even while maintaining a busy professional and family schedule. “We’re providing support that makes life easier for Sara, and that makes all the difference to us,” Tamara reflected.
For families considering becoming Family Home Providers, the Motens are living proof that it’s possible to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life while still managing a career and family—thanks to Cedar Lake’s resources and support.