Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Love Beyond Limits The Story of Virginia and Roger Meyers

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Love stories are often the threads that weave the fabric of our shared humanity. For Virginia and Roger Meyers, their journey together is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the importance of community support. Their story, immortalized in the 1979 television movie Like Normal People, showcases how the dedication of organizations like Home of Guiding Hands can transform lives.

Virginia and Roger met at a sheltered workshop for individuals with developmental disabilities in El Cajon. Their instant connection grew into a profound love that defied societal norms and expectations of the 1970s. Despite facing resistance from family and navigating an often-unforgiving world, the couple married in 1976 and began a life together. Their story captured national attention, with coverage in The Washington Post and other outlets, painting a vivid picture of their determination to live life on their own terms.

The Meyers’ love story was groundbreaking, challenging misconceptions about what people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) could achieve. It also highlighted the critical role of support systems in fostering independence and self-fulfillment. Enter Home of Guiding Hands (HGH); a San Diego-based nonprofit that has been a cornerstone of support for individuals with IDD for over 55 years.

Organizations like HGH empower individuals to lead enriched lives by offering resources and services tailored to their unique needs. For Virginia and Roger, support networks played a vital role in ensuring they could navigate life together. From assisting with housing to advocating for their rights, such programs demonstrate the profound impact of community engagement and specialized care.

As we reflect on their legacy, Virginia and Roger’s story reminds us why organizations like HGH are so crucial. Every client supported by HGH has a story – a journey of overcoming challenges, achieving milestones, and living life to its fullest. The programs offered, from residential services to transportation and life skills training, ensure that individuals with IDD can thrive in environments where they are respected and valued.

Home of Guiding Hands will host its 51st Annual Gala on May 3, 2025 at the Pendry Hotel San Diego, celebrating decades of commitment to empowering lives like Virginia and Roger’s. The gala will bring the community together to honor the resilience of clients and the dedication of supporters who make HGH’s mission possible. Proceeds from this event will directly support programs that enrich the lives of thousands of individuals and families.

Virginia and Roger’s love story stands as a beacon of hope and possibility. Their lives were touched by the compassion and commitment of others, inspiring us to continue breaking down barriers and fostering a world where everyone has the opportunity to shine. Join us in celebrating their legacy and the enduring work of Home of Guiding Hands at this year’s gala. Together, we can continue to make a difference.

www.guidinghands.org

Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva was born in San Diego but spent her youth with her family in Tijuana and grew up on both sides of the border. She has transferred her unique insight of cross-border culture, trends and philanthropy to her business and community interests. Danitza is the first woman from her family to graduate from college. She has two degrees, one from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Fashion Marketing, and a second from San Diego Christian College in Communications. After starting GB Magazine with Esteban Villanueva in 2007, she has gone on to win awards and recognition from the community for her support of helping raise millions of dollars for non-profit organizations. Currently she resides in East County in San Diego where she and her husband Esteban run DAESVI Publishing, home to GB Magazine, among several other publications.

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