Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice and is never the result of selfishness

. Napoleon Hill

One could say that the dream started for Tanya several years ago while working with the intellectually disabled community. Tanya saw firsthand the challenges that the adult intellectually disabled face in having the support and resources they need to thrive. This moved Tanya and her family to sponsor two seniors and bring them into her home as part of adult foster care services.

When Tanya brought these two seniors into her home, she did not know how much they would affect her heart. At ages 56 and 67, the two men became a regular part of the family, even embracing the extended family members as their own. Like most during the pandemic, however, Tanya quickly realized the challenges of lacking the services and resources to help the disabled in her home and the community. Even where there were locations that were more available for the public, one challenge Tanya experienced was the judgment and lack of compassion that many feel toward the disabled. Even more challenging was finding places for the adult disadvantaged to go during evenings, nights, and weekends that would provide an enjoyable and safe social experience for them.

Tanya created a solution, and in September 2021 founded Tanya’s Place!

Tanya’s Place is a social club for children and adults 5 and up who have special needs. This place, in Dumfries, Virginia, is a beautiful building with space and fun activities for the disadvantaged. Some activities that one can find at this location are:

• Movie Night
• Karaoke
• Paint & Sip Night
• Board Games
• Gaming

There is also a space for reading and relaxing for those that need less visual and audio stimulation.

Tanya has worked hard to create an environment that works for all ages of those with intellectual challenges and special needs. Thus, her slogan, “all pieces fit!”

The one message Tanya wants the community to know is, “this population deserves to live a full life!”

Tanya and her family have been funding and building out this space completely on their own. However, she realizes to officially open up to the community; she is going to need help from the community.

For those that are interested in assisting, monetary donations are welcomed and can be paid via Cashapp to $tanyasplace

In the area? Drop by Tanya’s Place at 3912 Lansing Court, Dumfries, Virginia 22026.

Keep up to date with Tanya’s Place on their Facebook Page.

If you have any questions, you can email Tanya at tanya@tanyasplaceva.com.