Ann’s Nest was founded by Bob Vala and Paul Matthews, two devoted fathers brought together by a shared, deeply personal question: What will happen to my son when I’m gone?

Both Bob and Paul have sons with disabilities who will need long-term care, and like so many parents, they found themselves searching for options that felt safe, dignified, and rooted in community.

As they explored possible solutions, one truth became clear—what they were hoping for simply didn’t exist in our region. So they made a bold decision: if the right place couldn’t be found, they would build it themselves. As the vision for Ann’s Nest began to take shape, they quickly realized they weren’t alone. Many families were facing the same fears and uncertainties, longing for a place where their adult children with IDD could feel connected, supported, and truly at home.

With strong ties to the Harbor Springs community, Bob and Paul have been reaching out to friends, neighbors, and local businesses to bring Ann’s Nest to life. As devoted fathers and friends, they are committed to seeing this through—building a lasting community where adults with IDD can live with dignity, belonging, and the assurance of a home for life.