Corrigan Talks Independent Living at Good Neighbor Village

A good home is more than just a safe place to live. It provides a sense of belonging, support, the freedom to grow, and the comfort of knowing someone cares.

Since 1987, Good Neighbor Village has created a caring place residents can truly call home. The non-profit organization serves adults with mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities so that they can grow and thrive in a safe, caring environment, surrounded by a supportive community. Located on more than 43 acres in Varina, a suburb of Richmond, residents share daily routines, meals, and experiences in a family-style setting where every person is known, valued, and encouraged.

Recently, Good Neighbor Village Executive Director Ryan Corrigan spoke with Olympia Theofanos of The Phil about the heart behind the community's mission. During the interview, Corrigan shared how the village helps residents thrive, why community-based and independent living matters, and how others can support Good Neighbor Village in its mission to keep supportive, community-based living accessible to families who have loved ones with mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities.

Helping Residents Live With Independence and Purpose in a Caring Community

Corrigan explains that Good Neighbor Village was created to help residents do more than move through each day. Rather than providing a very structured routine, Good Neighbor Village gives residents the freedom to make choices, explore their strengths, and work jobs while also joining in on shared activities.

While Good Neighbor Village still provides some structure, such as a scheduled dinner, residents have the flexibility to create their own schedules. They are encouraged to prepare meals, spend time with friends, work outside the village, and participate in activities that build confidence and practical skills. Recently, Good Neighbor Village partnered with Virginia Down Syndrome Association (VDSA) and Jacob's Chance to provide safety cooking classes. The community is also preparing for an upcoming gardening project that will allow them to grow their own vegetables.

These everyday moments shared by a community who cares are an important part of what makes Good Neighbor Village feel like home. "Our purpose is to create a safe environment for people with intellectual disabilities to thrive independently," states Corrigan. "What that means to us is beyond just existing but living a life fully realized."

Good Neighbor Village was founded by parents who shared concerns about what would happen to their loved ones after they were no longer able to care for them. Nearly four decades later, the village continues to empathize with families who share a similar concern by meeting a valuable community need: ensuring adults with intellectual disabilities can participate in community life in a meaningful way.

Good Neighbor Village offers families greater peace of mind through stable resident homes, compassionate staff support, and a community where their loved ones can learn, grow, and thrive. Since part of Good Neighbor Village's mission is to keep this level of care affordable for families, fundraising is necessary to help close the gap.

While donations are one of the main ways you can support Good Neighbor Village's mission, Corrigan also states that volunteering in the community itself is highly valued. "The opportunity to sit down and treat another human being as though they matter is a crucial social interaction," he says. Whether you have a skill to share, are looking to volunteer, or would like to donate, there are several ways to show your support for the community.

You can learn more about the heart of Good Neighbor Village and its mission in Ryan Corrigan's full interview with The Phil.