Middlebury’s Yellow House Community brings neurodiverse people together to allow them to live an independent life as a community, much as their neurotypical peers do. 

In 2019, two families founded the Yellow House Community, planning for the future of their special needs children as they grew into adults. 

“We want to be our kid’s neighbors, but we want them to have a meaningful transition into their adult lives,” said Andrea Murray, one of the community’s co-founders. “We all need people. We’re all interdependent.” 

The community defines interdependence as “the idea … that individuals can depend on and support one another as they strive to be their healthiest, happiest selves.” 

Residents build relationships with each other, their communities, the land, and themselves through activities like visiting farms and picking their own produce. The Yellow House benefits the surrounding community, too, says Elyse Haydon, executive director. 

“This is part of the change that we need in our culture, to learn how to better interact with people that are different than we are,” Haydon said. “Our friends here are part of the community. They have things to contribute. They are excited to be here and excited to be your neighbor.” 

Todd and Stacy Stone expected their daughter Hillary to live with them forever. After a year living at the Yellow House, “we’ve seen so much growth in her,” Stacy said. “Don’t underestimate the power of friendship and community.” 

Learn more about the Yellow House Community by watching the video.

Photo(s): Ryan Bent Photography