In the early 90s, a group of parents who had adult children living in the Central Virginia Training Center began to meet to discuss ideas for a “community based living” program much like one they learned about in Michigan.  They were excited at the thought of their children having the opportunity to be integrated back into the community in their very own home.  Mable Rush was one of those parents.  Her son Jimmy experienced serious anxiety and health problems while living at the Training Center.  Several years passed and Mrs. Rush was busy in Virginia Beach promoting the idea of community living when she fell ill with a rare form of leukemia.  Mrs. Rush had to be hospitalized; the other parents kept working on the concept.  Through the help of the Training Center and Lynchburg Covenant Fellowship, the first house was purchased for Jimmy Rush in 1995.  The other parents brought pictures of Jimmy’s new home to Mrs. Rush and told her they were going to name the organization the “Mabel Rush Housing Foundation”.  Mrs. Rush passed away two days later with the peace of knowing her son would have a permanent home for the rest of his life.

By providing Jimmy, who has mental retardation, with a Rush Home and 24 hour support, his health and quality of life dramatically improved. Meanwhile, the state saved more than $30,000 per year over the cost of institutional care.  Jimmy still lives in his home with his housemate Larry, who also moved out of the training center. 

Since that time, the Mabel Rush Housing Foundation has become Rush Lifetime Homes, Inc. (Rush Homes) and has grown to 13 houses and apartments for people with both mental and physical disabilities and low-incomes. Rush Homes acts as a concerned landlord, working with clients, tenants, and their support providers to resolve problems with creative solutions so that they can live as independently as possible, free to make their own choices. Rush Homes provides the dignity of good housing.

Staff and Board of Directors

Staff:

Allison O. Wingfield, Executive Director
Jeff Smith, Development Director