About Oak House

In 1979 a group of parents and local citizens, who recognized the need for a home for adults with disabilities, met to discuss the formation of Oak House. In order to insure that this population would always have support and supervision, the Copper Country Association for Retarded Citizens contributed the initial funding and parents, educators, and business people organized the program. Funding was received from Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the house was purchased. Oak House is unique in that it is centrally located in Hancock and is limited to ten residents in order have a more homelike atmosphere. It is surrounded by beautiful Copper Country scenery in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The residents living at Oak House share household chores and responsibilities while encouraging one another, with the help of the staff, to become self-sufficient.

Oak House residents have the opportunity to reach their goal of semi-independence by attending school at the Copper Country Intermediate School District or working at Calumet Work Center (Goodwill), who in conjuction with Oak House teach vocational skills, money management, self-care skills, telephone use, email, and transportation systems. Some of the residents also work in the community at Pat's IGA and MTU. There is great community collaboration in assisting the residents to becoming more independent.