At KVC Nebraska, we believe every person deserves a safe, supportive environment. Shared Living is one way we provide a pathway to independence for individuals of many different backgrounds and experiences who may need a little extra help. 

Shared Living Providers are the backbone of this program, opening their homes to youth and other individuals in need. Interested in becoming a Shared Living provider in Nebraska? Here’s what you need to know to get started.

What is Shared Living?

Shared Living offers a pathway for youth and individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities to start living independently, but with built-in support. Providers open their homes and hearts to these individuals, providing a safe, supportive environment where they can develop social and independent living skills.

Shared Living vs. Traditional Foster Care

While Shared Living technically does involve a youth or individual moving into a home that isn’t their family home, it is not foster care. Shared Living differs from foster care in several important ways:

• Shared Living is for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
• Shared Living clients can range widely in age, from children to adults in later life.
• Shared Living placements are intended to be long-term stability for participants in services.
• Shared Living assists participants in gaining independent skills at home and in the community.

Children who are part of child and family services can still benefit from Shared Living if they qualify for the program. Because KVC Nebraska offers both foster care and Shared Living services, we can help children and families in the foster care system participate in Shared Living as an alternative to traditional foster care, meaning they’ll be matched with a home that is trained and equipped to support the child in need of care.

Who Benefits from Shared Living?

Strong, supportive relationships are central to what makes Shared Living successful. Shared Living benefits not only the participant, but also their family and their Shared Living provider.

The Participant

Youth and adults with disabilities who participate in Shared Living get a chance to experience life separate from their family home, taking that first step toward independence. They get to live in a family-like environment while building life skills that create opportunities for individuals to be involved in their community. 

Things like budgeting, cooking, career readiness and social-emotional growth are all part of the landscape of Shared Living. Participants take an active role in choosing their placement and independence goals, partnering with the team to determine the support needed before transitioning to full independence.

Participants and Their Family

As the family of a youth or individual participating in Shared Living, you are not handing over custody and being separated from your loved one. You get to be involved too! Shared Living gives you the opportunity to help your loved one build independence while strengthening your ability to be their best support system.

The Provider

As a Shared Living provider, you’re giving a participant more than just a spare bedroom. You really do become family! You get to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, being their home and a major part of their independent growth.

You’ll receive all the necessary training and a Shared Living specialist at KVC Nebraska who is always available to help when you need it. You will also get a reimbursement for habilitation, supervision and support with a participant in your care, which varies depending on the level of care needs.

Qualities of a Shared Living Provider

KVC Nebraska is always on the lookout for new and eager Shared Living Providers! You might be just right for the job if you have any of these qualities:

• You are compassionate. You have a big heart and a desire to help others. You care about individuals with disabilities and want to find a way to help them succeed.
• You are patient. You are willing to take your time to go at someone else’s pace. You are a natural at providing support and guidance to others, seeing things through their eyes.
• You are stable. You have a reliable income and a stable home environment with space to welcome others into your home.
• You are flexible. You can go with the flow and handle the unexpected. You understand that routines are useful, but sometimes need to adjust on a day-to-day basis.
• You are willing. You may not have any medical or professional training with individuals with disabilities (although that’s certainly a plus if you do!), but you are willing to learn.

Beyond having a heart for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, the requirements to become a Shared Living Provider include:

• You are at least 21 years of age
• Have a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation
• Meet all applicable regulations through the Department of Health and Human Services
• Complete all necessary training through KVC Nebraska

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready to learn more about becoming a Shared Living Provider, here’s how the process works:

1. Fill out the application to express your interest.
2. Initial interview and background checks – Meet with a member of our team and ask questions and collect materials for the rest of the application (background checks, references, screenings and other documentation).
3. KVC Orientation Day – This day includes training about KVC, emergency procedures, developmental disabilities, individual rights and more.
4. Take the Shared Living training classes. These include KVC specific trainings, safety trainings and developmental disability trainings.
5. Have your home assessment. During this walkthrough interview, a KVC licensing specialist visits your home to ensure it is a safe and supportive fit for Shared Living participants.
6. Become a certified Shared Living provider and match with a participant!

Once your certification is official, a Shared Living Specialist will match with you and serve as your dedicated point of contact for ongoing support from KVC Nebraska. Our team supports you every step of the way, beyond certification, so you always know where to turn.

A Safe Place to Flourish

Every youth and individual deserves a place to grow and thrive. Shared Living Providers make that possible by offering guidance, stability and care. We determine placement matches by carefully considering each participant’s needs and each home’s ability to support them.

Learn more about becoming a Shared Living provider in Nebraska and take the first step toward supporting others on their path to independence.