Roberta, Billy, and the Family Who Chose Them
Across generations, one family has opened their home—and their hearts—to create a lifetime of belonging.

“They’re not related to us—but they became our family by choice.”—Ana S.

For Roberta and Billy, “home” has never just been a place.

It’s a family—one that has shown up for them across generations.

A Legacy of Care, Passed Down
Roberta and Billy’s story with Ana’s family began decades ago—with Ana’s mother, Josefina.

She welcomed them into her home and her life, creating a foundation of care, trust, and belonging that would shape everything that followed.

Back in 1988, Roberta came into Josefina’s home through CLA’s Host Home program. Over time, what began as care grew into something much deeper—she became family.

Years later, in 2005, Billy joined as well.

Together, they became part of everything.

“If there was a party, they were coming too,” Ana recalls.

And somewhere along the way, their connection became unmistakable.

They became siblings.

Family by Choice
Roberta and Billy may not be related by blood—but the way they show up for each other tells a different story.
Billy looks out for Roberta in quiet, everyday ways.

He carries her backpack.
He brings out her step stool to help her safely get into the van.
If she misses an outing, he makes sure to bring home treats and goodie bags so she still feels included.

He even paints her nails—always letting her pick the color.

And in his own way, he looks out for the whole household, too—reminding Ana when they’re running low on milk or when it’s time to buy more bananas.

“It’s just who he is,” Ana says with a smile. “He looks out for her.”

And she trusts him completely.
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With Josefina, where it all began—this multi-generational bond is rooted in decades of care and connection.
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Ana’s granddaughter feeding Roberta, showing a multi-generational moment of care and connection.
 
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Whether it’s work, travel, or activities, Billy stays active, involved, and fully engaged in life.

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Billy and Roberta out in the community together—side by side, just like they’ve been for years.

When One Generation Steps In
As Ana’s mom got older, she began to worry.

Billy and Roberta had spent years—decades—in her care. It was a home where they were known, understood, and deeply loved.

And when the time came that she could no longer provide that care, Ana didn’t hesitate—she stepped in.

“It has to be a package deal—they can’t be without each other,” Ana explains.
But to her, this wasn’t a transition—it was a continuation.

“They were already part of our family,” she adds. “They just moved in with us.”

Today, Billy and Roberta have been living with Ana and her family for more than seven years, surrounded by the same sense of stability and love that began years before.

A Home That Grows With You
As Billy and Roberta’s needs have evolved, Ana and her family have adapted—always with the goal of keeping them right where they belong.

When Roberta began having difficulty with mobility, they remodeled their bathroom—replacing the tub with a walk-in shower and adding safety features to support her independence.

It was an investment made out of love.
“This is her home,” Ana shares.

Lives Full of Joy—Big and Small
Roberta and Billy each live full, meaningful lives—shaped around what brings them joy.

Billy works several days a week at Goodwill and is always ready for the next adventure—traveling to places like Ireland, Iceland, Hawaii, and across the United States. He takes pride in how he shows up—dressing for the occasion and never skipping his favorite cologne. As Ana likes to say, “Billy smells expensive.”

He also participates in Special Olympics, staying active and engaged.

Some mornings start before sunrise—getting Billy ready for events like Special Olympics.

“Wouldn’t you do that for your child?” Ana says. “It’s the same thing.”

Roberta finds joy in connection closer to home.

She enjoys day programs, coffee outings, bingo, arts and crafts, and time with people she knows and trusts.

Together, they share simple, everyday moments—watching TV (negotiating between cartoons and Cops), attending programs, and spending time side by side.

At the Heart of the Family
Billy and Roberta are woven into every part of family life.

Billy leads grace at Thanksgiving—often giving thanks for everything from the meal to the small moments of the day—and always making sure Roberta says “Amen.”

They celebrate birthdays, holidays, and milestones together.

Grandchildren grow up never questioning who they are.

“They’ve always just been part of the family,” Ana reflects.

And that’s exactly what they are.

What They’ve Given in Return
Caring for Billy and Roberta is a commitment—but it’s also something much deeper.

“There’s a lot of trust between us—we make decisions together, and that means everything,” Ana shares.

That trust has shaped not only Ana—but her children and grandchildren as well.

It’s created a family rooted in empathy, patience, and understanding.

“They’ve taught me to be humble—to slow down and appreciate the simple things,” she says.

A family that chose them—and continues to choose them, every day.
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What Belonging Really Means
At CLA, we believe belonging is more than being included.

It’s having a place where you’re known.
Where you’re cared for.
Where you’re family.

Billy and Roberta’s story is a powerful reminder that home isn’t defined by blood.

It’s built through love, commitment—and generations of showing up for one another.