501(c)(3) foundation · South Orange County & North San Diego County, CA

A beautiful place to call home.

We're building a safe, family-style home where young women with Down syndrome and other special abilities can live with real independence and the right support around them.

Help build the home Read our story
  • EIN 88-2514296Tax-deductible 501(c)(3)
  • Candid Gold Seal of Transparency 2023Candid Gold
    Transparency 2023
Montana with her parents, Kimberly and Justin
Montana smiling

Montana, 26, is our inspiration and our first resident.

6–10 years

The estimated wait for a group home in South Orange County, and often longer.

"What happens when my adult child wants a home of their own?"

Every parent we've spoken with asks the same thing. Families fear large government facilities, and as parents grow older, caring for an adult with special needs at home gets harder. There are far too few good options.

Montana's Heart & Home exists to be part of the answer, starting with one home and growing into more.

A young woman holding a chicken on the farm

From the heart of a mother

It started with Montana.

We are parents to a young lady with Down syndrome, now 26 years old. Montana has been our guiding light. We knew that one day she would want her own space, her own friends, her own privacy, and a life a little more like everyone else's.

We also knew that without the right support in place, that might never be possible. So we set out to build it: the least restrictive home we can create, with every support she needs to thrive.

That seed has grown into a mission. Montana will be our first resident, and our goal is to open more quality homes so more families can say yes when their daughters ask for a place of their own.

Everyone deserves the freedom to decide where and how they live, with the right support to flourish. We strive to be the bridge to independence.

Our vision

Where your gift goes

The plan, in two phases

A white farmhouse with a picket fence
  1. Fundraising now

    Phase 1: Buy the house

    Phase 1 funds go directly to buying a property in South Orange County or North San Diego County, wherever the need is best met.

  2. 8–12 months

    Phase 2: Make it home

    Prepare a beautiful, safe home in the least restrictive setting possible, inside and out. Meet every state requirement, then open interviews and an interest list to welcome our first residents.

In their own words

Young women who are waiting for a home like this

"I want to have my own place and not be a burden on my family. I want to have a job and pay for my things. I do need someone who can support and guide me."
Sage, 26, California
"I love my family, but I would like to have roommates my age that I can hang with and watch TV with."
Sierra, 24, California
"Many of my friends have moved into their own places after high school. I want to do the same and still be near my family, and decorate my own place."
Jannie, 24, California

Life at home

Safe, seen and supported

A healthy balance of life: mental, physical, spiritual and emotional. Swimming, cooking, stretching classes and support groups, plus everyday things that build confidence.

A girl hugging a chicken in a coop

Farm life & gardening

Caring for our feathered friends: feeding, watering, cleaning and gathering eggs.

Fresh vegetables and jars on a kitchen table

Cooking & nutrition

Basic cooking skills, kitchen safety and the fun, creative side of food.

A group of friends taking a selfie together

Social time

Time with friends and peers to connect, talk and have fun together.

A young woman working on a laptop

Computer skills

Basic skills and internet safety, with guidelines and supervision in place.

Meet our team

The people behind the home

Kimberly Michaels-PicardKimberly Michaels-PicardOn-site manager of the home & founding memberRead bio

Montana's Heart & Home has been Kimberly's dream for many years. Being Montana's mother has given her a wealth of first-hand knowledge, and her faith in God has been central to the journey.

Since 2016 she has owned and run Montana's Heart apparel and gifts, a brand whose heartbeat is bringing beautiful awareness to people with special abilities.

Justin PicardJustin PicardChief executive officer & founding memberRead bio

Justin grew up in his family's restaurant in Dover, New Hampshire, became an executive chef and traveled the world sharing his love of cooking. He brings that experience, and a love of teaching in the kitchen, to the home and its residents.

Stratton PalmerStratton PalmerBoard memberRead bio

Stratton found his calling at 12, volunteering as an assistant coach in the V.I.P. Soccer League for children with disabilities, and spent all four years at Dana Hills High School in the Best Buddies program.

He joined the Capistrano Unified School District in 2008, working with all ages at moderate to severe disability levels, then served as executive director of an adult special-needs day program in San Juan Capistrano before starting his own venture, The Happening OC. He leads the special-needs ministry at Mountain View Church.

Crystal BenyoTreasurerRead bio

Born in Southern California and one of four siblings, Crystal has been married for 44 years to her high-school sweetheart. She has owned and run many businesses and has served as bookkeeper and auditor for most of them and for other companies. Her faith and her love for her family inspire us.

Paying it forward

Wear Montana's Heart

Montana's Heart is our apparel and gift brand, with the heartbeat of people with special abilities. Every piece shares Montana's story and how seeing life through her eyes has made our hearts bigger.

A percentage of every sale funds the foundation and spreads awareness. When you wear Montana's Heart, you've made a difference.

Visit the shop
A pink Montana's Heart sweatshirt that says happy

Be part of the dream

Help us open the doors.

There are so many important causes. If this one speaks to you, we'd be honored to have you with us. Gifts are tax-deductible: Montana's Heart & Home Foundation, EIN 88-2514296.

Give today

  • Monthly, quarterly or annual giving

    Steady gifts help us plan the purchase and the months of preparation after it.

  • Donor-advised funds

    Recommend a grant to EIN 88-2514296 from your DAF.

  • Start a fundraiser

    Birthdays, races, church or school drives. We'll help you set it up.

  • Volunteer

    Lend your time and skills as the home comes together.

Get in touch

We'd love to hear from you

Questions, a family looking for a home, or a way you'd like to help: reach out any time.

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