Often when people with intellectual developmental disabilities reach adulthood they find themselves alone and longing for socializing and companionship. For those living in rural areas, such as Van Zandt County, there is little for them to do.

Sharon’s Place is meant to change that, serving our Friends with intellectual disabilities by giving them opportunities to fulfill their God-given purpose.

Our vision is to create a place where our Friends can socialize and develop friendships, serve in the community, participate in productive work, and live and experience life together in a family-style home in a country setting. We are actively seeking facilities and land in Van Zandt County for the future home of Sharon’s Place.

For now we are offering social activities and events that allow our Friends to do things together, such as museum trips, movies, shopping, sporting events, recreation, and more.

We are also exploring options for our Day Program and Enterprise Training Academy, where our Friends can discover new interests, enhance their life skills, develop their talents, receive job skills training, and be an active part of the community.

Sharon’s Place is a Christ-centered nonprofit. If you would like to help build a place for our Friends with intellectual developmental disabilities, please donate today.

Sharon Denise Haugen was born October 24, 1963. She was the fifth child of William and Nancy Haugen and the beloved sister of Kathy, Lori, Jerry, Faith Renee, and Kristine.

Sharon’s infectious smile could light up a room. She had a beautiful smile with bright piercing eyes that seemed to look through to your soul. Her language skills were limited yet she could recite every word from songs by Neil Diamond and others after hearing them only a few times.

For most of Sharon’s life she lived at home with her mom and dad. She was the glue that kept everyone coming home for birthdays, holidays, and routine visits. She showered all around her with endless love.

At an early age Sharon was diagnosed with developmental learning disabilities. Although she struggled with many basic skills throughout her life, she excelled in expressing love.

Sharon passed into God’s presence in October 2004 following several years of battling a devastating neurological disease. After her passing it was discovered that her lifelong challenges were the result of severe autism, which was largely unknown when she was diagnosed with her disabilities as a child.