The Story
Project FREE is being developed by a group of educators, parents and advocates having extensive experience and passionate determination. Kim Costanzo, inspired by her indomitable niece, Lauren, brought this team together and fueled their progress. Lauren, who happens to have Down Syndrome, personifies the values of Project FREE by showing what is possible when a person focuses on his/her abilities and breaking down barriers.
Lauren’s family made the choice on the day of her birth that her life would be about what she would achieve, in spite of what society might expect is possible. Thirty-two years of challenges and successes, including Lauren being the first mainstreamed student in a public high school, a performing musician and holding down a job in the “real world” has still placed her in a world with very limited career and independent life options. What about going off to college? What about having true career choices? What about living independently with a network of friends and enjoying a rich and productive social life? Kim had to admit, after years of advocating and working as an educator and administrator in special education, that no such place with the socially stimulating and safe environment, as the type she envisioned for, Lauren existed. With that realization, the idea for Project FREE was born.
Kim turned her incredible energy, passion and determination to the creation and development of Freedom Village, a place where people with diverse abilities can live, learn, work and play in a community with world class independent housing and Freedom Academy, an independent Trade School offering financial aid, and competitive career opportunities, thus promoting independence and a quality of life previously thought to be impossible.
The Village will offer home ownership and long term leasing opportunities through private and state & federal financing opportunities; Freedom Academy’s relevant secondary education will provide opportunities to earn Trade Certificates along with a core program of life skills and liberal arts, as well as assist the students in obtaining gainful employment starting at minimum wage.
The Project FREE team has incorporated Freedom Unlimited Now, Inc. as a nonprofit, tax-deductible corporation. Property has been identified, programs are being developed, and funding sources are becoming a reality. Bricks and mortar are coming soon!!
Please take a moment to navigate through our site and see how you can help Kim, Lauren and the rest of the Project FREE Team make independent futures possible!
