10
Oct
2025

Congratulations to the Recipients of the 2025 Excellence in Life Sharing Awards!

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Congratulations to Diane and Scott Clark and Linda Futterer on receiving the 2025 Excellence in Life Sharing Awards during the 2025 PA Life Sharing Conference! These Life Sharing Providers are committed to person-driven support, welcoming people into their families and homes.

Life Sharing provides people with disability the opportunity to grow, learn, and pursue their goals in a family environment. In other words, they help people live an everyday life.

Decades of Support in a Family Environment

Diane and Scott Clark have been Life Sharing Providers for decades, and they have been a family with Samantha and Kelly for almost ten years. Before Kelly joined them, Samantha lived with them for seventeen years. Both women lead independent and fulfilling lives within the stability and safety of a loving and inclusive home.

Diane and Scott honor the unique identities, preferences, and aspirations of each woman, and both Kelly and Samantha are thriving. They have part-time jobs, have formed friendships, go on vacations, and take part in local community events. Diane and Scott have helped Samantha and Kelly form consistent routines that open doors for growth, joy, compassion, and respect.

From Direct Support Professional to Life Sharing Provider

Linda Futterer began her career with KHS as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), working in the home where Kenny lived. When she began supporting him, he spent most of his time at home, choosing to stay silent and not participate. Linda worked to build trust with him and help him view his life differently. With her support, doctor’s appointments became easier, and Kenny began exploring his interests and activities in the community. After several years, he planned a vacation – a road trip to Florida, accompanied by Linda. That trip was a turning point, and he decided he wanted a different kind of life. He believed Linda could support him in his dream.

She left her job as a DSP to become a Life Sharing Provider. Kenny moved in with Linda and her husband and together the three of them worked to make sure their home reflected the fact that Kenny was now part of the family, down to the small details of how their lives are now woven together. Kenny’s preferences are honored and respected. For example, he likes to listen to Hawaiian music while he enjoys his breakfast.

He has thrived in his home. He communicates his dreams and has the support of a family to guide and help him make those dreams come true. The encouragement and support he receives has helped him find his voice in many ways, and he has grown as an artist, creating original fiber art that is displayed throughout the house. He hosts regular evenings with his friends, including movie nights. Recently, he planned a mini-vacation to Atlantic City, and Linda helped him plan and execute everything that needed to be done before he could leave, from packing to planning the actual trip.

How to Become a Life Sharing Provider

Life Sharing Providers make a difference in the lives of people with disability and help them grow into the best person they can be. Providers can be unrelated to the person or can be a member of the person’s biological family. A daily stipend is provided.

To apply to become a Life Sharing Provider, complete the online form.

The Clarks and the Futterers exemplify KHS’s mission in Life Sharing. They support each person’s independence and serve as guides, mentors, and family.

Join KHS in congratulating Diane and Scott Clark and Linda Futterer for their excellence in Life Sharing!

A group of people smiling in front of a presentation at the 2025 Excellence in Life Sharing Awards
Scott and Diane Clark and Linda Futterer receiving the 2025 Excellence in Life Sharing awards
Diane Clark and Linda Futterer receiving the 2025 Excellence in Life Sharing awards