Finding Support Shouldn’t Be Another Burden

Caregiving taught me about responsibility, independence, and the importance of good support. Needs change. Services have to fit. Families and providers need to communicate. I learned that while caring for someone comes from the heart, navigating a fragmented system can take time and energy away from the person who needs care.

We sorted through outdated information, unclear websites, and listings that rarely answered basic questions about openings, eligibility, funding, waivers, staffing, communication support, or location. Getting answers often meant another call. Because providers shared information differently, families were left to research and coordinate just to compare options.

Caring for Zach showed me that finding care and finding the right care are different things. Staffing, communication, environment, distance, and availability all shape whether a program is a good fit. Most of all, the people providing care matter. What works for one person may not work for another. Harbor Helm is being built to help people find care that fits their needs and priorities.

My professional path took a few turns. Through hands-on work and growing interests in technology, data, AI, and finance, I began to see our family’s experience in a new way. I kept coming back to one question: Why is finding the right disability services still so difficult?

That question became Harbor Helm. I envisioned a search that starts with the person: what they need, what matters most, and where they can be flexible. Providers could share clear information about their programs, supports, locations, and availability. Families could narrow their options and focus on meaningful conversations about fit.

Harbor Helm began with our family, and we’re building it for the many families, caregivers, and providers facing similar challenges. Technology can make the path clearer, while the relationships and judgment at the heart of good care remain human. Our goal is to help people spend less time navigating the system and more time focused on one another.