About Us
Our staff & volunteers
Many Hands Lifesharing Community is very attractive to high quality staff with lower than average turn-over. It has been shown at other Lifesharing communities that many people desire to live and work in these environments. Everyone including the caregiver or PAL has a sense of belonging through meaningful connections with others. Providing the PALs with compensation in the form of a beautiful home and quality food along with learning opportunities are some of the ways we show how much they are valued.
Many Hands is pulling from a slightly different pool of workers than regularly paid Direct Care Professionals. We are creating a learning environment to educate and train the next generation of teachers, therapists, nurses, social workers, farmers and public health policy makers. Many Hands will work to be a top choice for local college and university programs to send their students for experience and internships. By having MHLC Board of Director members from the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Public Health, or Kinesiology and Eastern Michigan University School of Education to help facilitate this relationship. The Farm Manager will be trained in Biodynamic, an organic regenerative agriculture technique.
Founder's Story
In 2005 our founder, Kerry Kafafian realized her then 8 year old son will always need direct care and can never be left alone. After 16 years of researching and traveling to visit programs in many states, she decided that a farm-based Lifesharing model is a place she would feel good about moving her now 24 year old son too. In April 2019 Kerry reached out to other parents and said since we can not find a place we would want for our children to live, we need to create one. A new housing community is being developed in Washtenaw County, Michigan with the support of many dedicated people.
Our mission
Build and sustain quality care, housing, learning and activities for those with a disability, while educating our next generation of service professionals using a Lifesharing model.
Board of Directors
Kerry Kafafian
Dr. Janice Farrehi
Dr. Janice Farrehi
Founder and Board Chairperson
As a determined parent of a young adult son with intellectual and developmental disability, Kerry knows how profoundly important our work is. She is using her UofM Business School degree in marketing to champion the Lifesharing model of care.
Dr. Janice Farrehi
Dr. Janice Farrehi
Dr. Janice Farrehi
Vice Chair
Janice along with her husband, Peter live with their son, who is affected by a developmental disability. Their family has lived in the Ann Arbor area for over a decade and supported organizations that better the lives of individuals with disabilities. As a working mother with over 30 years of practice in internal medicine, she
Vice Chair
Janice along with her husband, Peter live with their son, who is affected by a developmental disability. Their family has lived in the Ann Arbor area for over a decade and supported organizations that better the lives of individuals with disabilities. As a working mother with over 30 years of practice in internal medicine, she is currently on staff of University Health Service at the University of Michigan. She is passionate about providing her son and others with life experiences that bring joy and purpose. Janice’s wish is to see her son happy and thrive in a Lifesharing community.
Susan W. Crabb
Dr. Janice Farrehi
Susan W. Crabb
Member
Susan Wiant Crabb retired from the Office of Field Education as a field educator/lecturer/field liaison 2021. She served the School and its students for over 13 years. Prior to joining the Field Education Office, Susan worked at a large nonprofit agency. As the president/CEO from 2004 to 2008, she was responsible for the budget an
Member
Susan Wiant Crabb retired from the Office of Field Education as a field educator/lecturer/field liaison 2021. She served the School and its students for over 13 years. Prior to joining the Field Education Office, Susan worked at a large nonprofit agency. As the president/CEO from 2004 to 2008, she was responsible for the budget and financial management, strategic planning, development, Board relations, and supervision to the leadership team. She also served as a field instructor for U-M and EMU’s BSW and MSW students. Susan was the recipient of Eastern Michigan University's School of Social Work MSW and Gerontology Alumna of the Year Awards in 2006 and 2007.
Susan worked with older adults in an adult day setting, a transportation program, and in-home care. She worked with residential care for youth 12-18. In all programs she placed emphasis on dignity and respect, and she continued to stress physical activity as a primary source of improvement to quality of life issues.
Currently,Susan provides LLMSW supervision to a number of social work professionals seeking their full licensure.
Jacob Singer
Dr. Peter Farrehi
Susan W. Crabb
Member
Director of Community Engagement & Volunteer Services at Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County. He volunteered and worked at Friendship Circle helping youth with disabilities. I am a community relations and fundraising professional with experience in nonprofit work and volunteer efforts as well as my Masters of Social Work (M
Member
Director of Community Engagement & Volunteer Services at Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County. He volunteered and worked at Friendship Circle helping youth with disabilities. I am a community relations and fundraising professional with experience in nonprofit work and volunteer efforts as well as my Masters of Social Work (MSW) with concentration in promoting social action through community organization. As a result of my work, I have been able to make an impact on those supported by nonprofit services, the nonprofits I have aligned myself with, and the donors/sponsors (from individuals to corporations) whom with we partner.
Dr. Peter Farrehi
Dr. Peter Farrehi
Dr. Peter Farrehi
Member
As a parent of a son with intellectual and developmental disability, Peter Farrehi knows the resources needed for this growing community. He is a practicing physician and presently on faculty at University of Michigan. As a Farrehi Family Foundation Director, Peter has been deeply involved in its charitable giving to nonprofit org
Member
As a parent of a son with intellectual and developmental disability, Peter Farrehi knows the resources needed for this growing community. He is a practicing physician and presently on faculty at University of Michigan. As a Farrehi Family Foundation Director, Peter has been deeply involved in its charitable giving to nonprofit organizations that impact the lives of people in Michigan by supporting educational needs and the public welfare. Peter is committed to seeking a community focused solution for housing this adult population while also assisting individuals with intellectual disability reach their potential, no matter their ability.
Randy Crundwell
Dr. Peter Farrehi
Dr. Peter Farrehi
Treasurer
Organization Excellence Manager at A&D Technology, Inc
Parent of child with Intellectual/Developmental Disability