A Story of Love, Resilience, and a Mother’s Mission to Change Disability Care in Atlanta
For many families, finding the right place for a loved one with a disability is one of the most important decisions they will ever make. They are not simply looking for a residence — they are searching for a place where their loved one will be seen, valued, protected, and truly loved.
That vision is the heart behind Houses of Love, LLC, an emerging residential community in Atlanta, Georgia, founded by Dominica Johnson, a woman whose personal journey, nursing career, and life experiences have shaped a powerful mission: to create homes where adults with disabilities can experience dignity, independence, meaningful relationships, and a true sense of belonging.
A Calling Built Through Experience
Dominica Johnson’s passion for caring for others began long before Houses of Love was created.
With 35 years of experience in the nursing field, Dominica has spent decades serving people and understanding the importance of compassionate care. Her journey has also been deeply personal. As a young widow and single mother from Columbus, Ohio, Dominica experienced the challenges of raising a daughter with Down Syndrome.
Her daughter’s life helped shape her understanding of what families need most: not just services, but compassion, patience, acceptance, and a community that sees the person beyond the disability.
Dominica also personally experienced life in a group home environment many years ago. That experience gave her a unique perspective on what worked — and what could be improved.
Those experiences became the foundation for Houses of Love.
“I wanted to create something different,” Dominica shares. “A place where people with disabilities are not just cared for, but truly included, celebrated, and loved.”
More Than a Group Home — A Community of Love
Houses of Love was created with a vision that residential care should feel like home.
While many traditional group homes focus primarily on providing basic support, Houses of Love focuses on creating a richer community experience built around:
- Personalized attention
- Meaningful relationships
- Daily living skills
- Community involvement
- Recreation and adventure
- Independence and confidence
Residents are not defined by their disability. They are individuals with dreams, talents, personalities, and goals.
The mission is simple:
Create a safe, loving environment where every resident has the opportunity to grow, participate, and live a meaningful life.
A Day at Houses of Love
A typical day at Houses of Love begins with warmth and connection.
The morning may start with a cup of coffee, conversation, encouragement, and preparation for the day ahead.
Residents participate in community-based programs where they build skills, socialize, and engage with others.
By afternoon, residents return home and are welcomed by supportive staff who help create a comfortable transition back into their home environment.
Evenings may include:
- Community events in Atlanta
- Disability awareness activities
- Autism and Down Syndrome community events
- Games and social activities
- Outdoor experiences
- Life skills development
- Creative activities
The goal is to ensure every day brings opportunities for learning, friendship, confidence, and joy.
Creating Opportunities Beyond Expectations
One of the dreams behind Houses of Love is to help residents experience life beyond the walls of a traditional home.
Future activities include:
- Local Atlanta adventures
- Cultural experiences
- Travel opportunities
- Outdoor learning programs
- Community participation
- Potential international travel experiences
Dominica believes individuals with disabilities deserve opportunities to explore the world, build memories, and experience the same joys of life as anyone else.
A Vision for the Future: A Village of Independent Living
The long-term vision of Houses of Love goes beyond one home.
Dominica dreams of creating a private residential community with multiple small homes where individuals can experience a greater level of independence while still receiving the support they need.
The vision:
A neighborhood of beautiful small homes where residents can feel ownership, belonging, and independence.
A place where:
- Residents know their neighbors
- Families feel confident and secure
- Individuals develop life skills
- Support is available when needed
- Community becomes family
This model is designed to provide a more personalized alternative to traditional residential settings.
A Message to Families Searching for a Home
For families searching for a safe and loving place for their adult son or daughter with disabilities, Dominica offers this message:
“You have a place here. You have a space here. Houses of Love is built on Christian values, compassion, community, love, and tenderness. We are dedicated to creating an environment where residents are respected, supported, and encouraged to become the best version of themselves.”
Building a Future of Compassion in Atlanta
Atlanta is a city known for growth, opportunity, and community. Houses of Love hopes to become part of that future by providing families with another choice — a residential experience centered around love, care, independence, and purpose.
For Dominica Johnson, this is more than a business.
It is a calling.
It is the continuation of a lifetime dedicated to caring for others.
It is a promise to families that their loved ones deserve more than a place to live.
They deserve a place to belong.
Welcome to Houses of Love, — where every resident has a home, a purpose, and a future.