VALLEYLIFE Celebrates Marconi Group Home Backyard Renovation with Open House Event

Thanks to recent renovations, VALLEYLIFE’s Marconi group home has been transformed from a simple house into a warm, welcoming home for the Members of our ASPIRE Autism Program.

Earlier this week, VALLEYLIFE’s Fund Development Department hosted an open house to celebrate the completion of the Marconi home's backyard renovation. What was once a barren, rocky space is now a serene outdoor retreat featuring lush grass, comfortable furniture, and a shaded awning — creating an inviting environment for the Members who live there. The event invited Donors, Board members, and the family members of the home’s residents to get a glimpse of the ASPIRE Program’s flagship home and to see the upgrades for themselves.

“I’m always excited to have the opportunity to be able to welcome outside supporters and guests into one of our group homes so that they can see how we live,” said Margaret Stephens-Reed, VALLEYLIFE’s Director of Donor Relations.

In addition to celebrating the revamped outdoor space, the event also served as an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the project’s donor, the Norton Foundation, for their generosity. It is the kind of support that Stephens-Reed says allows VALLEYLIFE to continue to strive for the very best for its Members.

“We’re always thrilled to have people support us, especially foundations like the Norton’s,” she said. “They have always been strong supporters of what we do at VALLEYLIFE and our mission.”

The Norton Foundation has been a longtime supporter, also providing funding to build out the Tranquility Garden several years ago at The Suzanne and Peter Connolly Enrichment Center. The Tranquility Garden is another beloved outdoor space that has provided a relaxing outdoor environment that VALLEYLIFE Members get to enjoy on a daily basis. It is the kind of work that the Norton Foundation is happy to be a part of.

“The Norton Foundation is very pleased to have contributed to the beautiful backyard that VALLEYLIFE has provided for the residents of the Marconi Home,” said Cheryl Oliver, a representative from the Norton Foundation. “It is our hope that the residents will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.”

To see photos from the event, check out the gallery below.