At the heart of the Westfield Foundation’s mission is the belief that every member of our community deserves a safe, comfortable, and dignified place to call home. This commitment is best reflected in our enduring partnership with Our House Foundation, an organization we have proudly supported since 2009.

Our House was founded in 1980 by Patricia Shillingburg, a mother who saw a critical gap in housing for adults with disabilities.

The Westfield Foundation has been a steady partner in this mission for nearly 17 years. From modernizing kitchens in Westfield apartments to our initial collaborations over a decade ago, our shared history has consistently raised the bar for residential care in our community.

In early 2025, Our House responded to an urgent RFP from the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities. A group home in Plainfield was in a dire state of disrepair, and the residents—four extraordinary gentlemen—needed a new provider who could offer more than just a roof, but a high standard of care.

Despite the ‘shocking state’ of the property—which suffered from severe water damage, failing infrastructure, and years of neglect— Our House did not hesitate to answer the call, ensuring these individuals could remain in their community within a supportive and safe environment.

‘When we saw the condition of the home and met the four extraordinary gentlemen living there, we knew we had to make them part of the Our House family,’ said Michele DelCorsano, President & CEO, Our House Foundation.

In May 2025, the Westfield Foundation provided a $15,000 grant to fund the critical restoration of their newest group home in Plainfield. This significant investment allowed for the immediate transformation of a property in crisis into a safe, dignified residence.

The Westfield Foundation Executive Director, Kathryn Curran Darcy, recently attended a housewarming celebration at the home in Plainfield to see the results of these efforts firsthand. What was once a house in crisis is now a vibrant, clean, and welcoming home.

“The transformation is more than just cosmetic” she says, “In a state where approximately 8,000 individuals with disabilities are waiting for services, the success of the Plainfield project represents a vital expansion of capacity and a promise kept to the community”.

The Westfield Foundation is proud to support Our House as they continue to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to be their authentic selves in a space that truly feels like home.