Camp provides comforting atmosphere for 'other-abled' adults

Published: 2007-07-09

ROLLING PRAIRIE, Ind. (CNS) -- For the 150 "other-abled" adults who attend Camp Sharing Meadows in Rolling Prairie, the summer camp experience is a grace-filled time of activity, discussion, new experiences, laughter and love. Tucked away in a quiet corner of a rural northwest Indiana community, the Christian camp was founded more than 30 years ago through the efforts of Father Dennis Blaney, a now-retired priest of the Gary Diocese. The former director of the diocesan apostolate for the handicapped, Father Blaney recognized a growing need. In those early years, the concept of small-group homes was just getting established and parents were still reluctant to allow others to care for their developmentally disabled children growing into adulthood. According to Father Blaney, something was missing. "They didn't have the opportunity to establish and grow in community with their peers," he told the Northwest Indiana Catholic, Gary's diocesan newspaper.

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