The Hortons visited a wide variety of homes and facilities, from state schools, boarding, foster, and group homes, to a variety of village communities located around the country. Some were very attractive, even inspiring, the majority only adequate, and some truly appalling. These journeys planted the seeds that were to become "Down Home Ranch" - a deliberate play on words. The Hortons pondered the fruits of their research and spent many hours consulting with friends, experts in the field, and fellow parents of children with disabilities.

On May 12, 1989 Jerry and Judy incorporated Down Home Ranch, and then spent a year joined by friends, clergy, and family, discerning whether to follow their nascent dream of building "a working farm and ranch for people with special needs," or whether to simply work and save in order to ensure that they would have the financial means to provide for Kelly throughout her life.

In the end, the call to community won the day. The Hortons knew that unless Kelly had friends, people to share the ups and downs of life and to provide support and opportunity well into the future, the isolation, estrangement and loneliness of so many others like her would be a constant threat. In short, where would the community of love and opportunity come from for Kelly after her parents were gone?

After three months the Hortons felt the answer was clear, and set about to bring the vision of Down Home Ranch into reality. In April 1990 they sent a letter to family and friends telling of their impending decision to leave academe in a quest to build an intentional community, "a working farm and ranch" and asking for their help. The journey had begun.

The story continues ... staking our claim.