When Lori Sutton’s son, Jeremy, was just 14, his world was shaped by the challenges of autism and severe disabilities. With few options available and a fierce love driving her forward, Lori made a bold decision: she helped Jeremy move into his own home on Vail Street in Midland — and soon after, she ended up building a business around supporting his independence.
It didn’t take long for Jeremy’s home to become known as Vail House, sort of informally named by the direct care workers who worked there. Jeremy’s success in this caring environment inspired something far greater than a single household. In 2016, Lori transitioned her private business into a nonprofit, opening the doors to others in need of the same kind of support.
“We started taking on other clients. Jeremy had been so successful living in his own home — it was an opportunity to give back to the community,” Lori explained.
That moment marked a powerful turning point. Vail House wasn’t just Jeremy’s sanctuary anymore — it marked an opportunity for Lori to launch the business full force. It only made sense to officially name it Vail House.
Paul Conway, a longtime direct care worker and HR Associate at Vail House, has walked the journey alongside this growing mission.
“I worked with my brother and his roommate for about seven years, and then this started — so 14 years in total,” he said. “And I love it. The clients are wonderful. They’re the best part of this.”
Over the years, Lori’s experience advocating for her son turned into something impactful for many families. But what truly sets Vail House apart is its commitment not just to those receiving care — but to the caregivers themselves.
“Our direct care workers become like family,” Lori said. “Many of the individuals we support don’t have relatives involved in their lives anymore. Our workers become that love, that emotional anchor everyone needs.”
This dedication to building real, human connections caught the attention of IMPART Alliance, which recently awarded Vail House one of its mini grants to strengthen its efforts. The funding will support outreach and recruitment for compassionate care workers — people with “big hearts,” as Lori puts it.
“I found out about the grant from Sarah, my office professional. I read the details and said, ‘This is what we need!’” she shared. “Part of the money will go toward reaching areas we haven’t connected with before — we need more people who get it, who care.”
And it’s not just about recruitment. The grant will also help improve training, provide recognition of their hard work and ease financial strain for current staff — a leading cause of turnover in the care industry.
“A lot of our employees have to look for other jobs just to make ends meet,” Lori said. “Now, we finally have a way to support them. I think that’s exciting. It shows we care—not just about our clients, but our workers too.”
With each new chapter, Vail House reaffirms a powerful truth: that direct care workers aren’t just support staff — they serve as lifelines. They are the reason individuals with disabilities can live independently, with dignity and connection.
“Direct care workers are the heart and soul of everything we do,” Lori said.
At its core, Vail House is more than a home. It’s a place where love, resilience, and community come together — and where everyone is treated like family. And it all ties back to where the idea to launch a caregiving business began in the first place — with Lori’s family, specifically her son.
This project has been made possible through a grant awarded to IMPART Alliance by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
