Treasure House, 7815 W. Aspera Blvd., is celebrating the first anniversary of its opening and has hit 50 percent occupancy in the first year as an influx of new residents has further boosted the sense of community at the new facility.

Treasure House has grown at a measured pace since it opened last year. However, as the Treasure House model has become more refined since opening, the pace of new residents moving in has started to increase, and Treasure House leadership anticipates reaching full capacity this winter.

The Treasure House team has been ramping up gradually over the past 12 months since the facility opened to ensure smooth transitions for new residents and to be able to make adjustments to staffing and programming models as needed.

Lauri Tanner, CEO of Treasure House, said that the organization’s first year has been full of learning experiences for residents and staff alike, as the residents have grown and thrived in their new environment.

 “We have seen so many instances of these young people learning to do new things and really embracing their new-found independence,” Ms. Tanner said. “It has been gratifying to see their personal growth over the course of the first year, as well as the outpouring of interest and support from the community at large.”

Founded by Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner and his wife Brenda, Treasure House is the first and only Arizona living community applying this unique individualized approach blending support for independence with community building. Each resident has their own studio apartment and enjoys a community family room, game room, patio, recreation area, and family-style kitchen.

Treasure House’s programming allows residents to cultivate independence by providing employment opportunities, social interaction, health and wellness support and life skills. Residents also enjoy a robust calendar of events that includes fitness, volunteering, community events, music, theater, arts, game nights, sports opportunities, and pursuit of individual hobbies and interests. 

Dylan Rhodes, a recent resident at Treasure House, said that he is already feeling more independent as a result of his new living environment. The 19-year-old Peoria resident has been at Treasure House since June 1, and is working full time at Banner Thunderbird Hospital in order to save money to buy his own car.

 “Words can’t describe it — I love it so much,” Mr. Rhodes said. “I just love all the residents and staff and it feels like I have a second family. At home I needed frequent reminders, but here I am going at my own pace and finding my own routine.”

Treasure House specializes in developing individualized strategies and supports for young adults with cognitive disabilities with emphasis and expertise in the areas of learning, memory, concentration and decision-making. The residence serves individuals in their 20s and 30s who no longer receive federally mandated educational services and who want to build productive, meaningful and connected lives. The house seeks to maintain a capacity of 29 residents and will be accepting applications for admissions enrolling new residents on an ongoing basis.

Visit treasurehouse.org.