Creative Living Unlimited: Representing Medina County’s Disabled Community
By Cayton Blake, BEAT reporter
BRUNSWICK, OH- For 34 years, the Medina Creative Housing nonprofit has worked tirelessly to support individuals with disabilities throughout Medina County – providing an array of services and support to allow them to live their lives with dignity and opportunity. In 2026, Medina Creative Housing announced that it was changing its name, rebranding itself as Creative Living Unlimited (cl-unlimited.org), which better reflects the scope of services it has grown to provide since its inception.
Medina Creative Housing, or MCH, was created by a group of parents whose children had disabilities. More specifically, it was created so that people with disabilities could be taken out of institutions that treated patients harshly and were not suitable for them. The parents were worried about what would happen to their loved ones if something happened to them. Their solution was to take local homes and create an environment that offered individuals the independence and home environment while still supporting their needs.
Today, they provide many different services not just to residents, but to people in the community. Some services they provide include therapeutic horseback riding, Z’s Cream and Bean Homemade Ice Cream, home-delivered meals, equine psychotherapy, life skill training, and college programming.
MCH changed its name to Creative Living Unlimited as part of its new rebrand, which begins the next chapter of this far-reaching organization. One of the other reasons they changed their name was because people new to the group thought they only provided housing, which was false. They provide care too.
The name change became official in January of 2026. Dianne DePasquale-Hagerty, the CEO of Creative Living Unlimited, said, “The response has been very positive. We have received gratitude for streamlining our different housing, services, and programs under a uniform format and brand for recognition and clarity.” Some of the people who are receiving services are happy with the name change because they feel it represents more than just the housing; it represents them better.
Creative Living Unlimited does not receive a levy fund. They rely mainly on support from the community. Once a year, they host a “Raising the Roof Gala” (https://www.cl-unlimited.org/RTR2026-theres-no-place-like-home ) where they ask the community to support them. For their 20th gala this year, the theme is “There’s No Place Like Home.” It will take place on April 18th at 3076 Remsen Road, Medina. The gala will feature a skit as the main event, titled “No Place Like Home,” which is performed by the Creative Comedy Crew. DePasquale-Hagerty hopes that they can make a place where there is no place like it and no one is left behind. Anyone can become a sponsor and support over 800 kids and adults with disabilities by donating an item to the auction or attending.
DePasquale-Hagerty outlines that “Creative Living Unlimited has big plans for the future. We are not a status quo organization. We are always striving to do more so that individuals hoping to become part of the Creative Living Family have that opportunity.” As more and more discover Creating Living Unlimited, it strives to meet the needs of everyone.
She also said that at the end of the day, “My favorite part of my job is the privilege I have had for the past 24 years in serving a population that has had doors closed to them, and through our efforts has opened up opportunities for individuals to live lives that their families never dreamed possible. I have the joy of seeing each and every day growth and development in those we serve.” DePasquale-Hagerty is honored with the opportunity to be in a changing community where others support the efforts of Creating Living Unlimited, and people with disabilities are able to be uplifted.
Cayton Blake, Brunswick Middle School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program, celebrating its 25th year, is sponsored by Donut Land, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, MODA Gifts, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/community/new-beat-site to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com/?folder=ALL to view videos produced by the students.
PHOTOS: New Creative Living Unlimited logo; some of the services provided under the Creative Living Unlimited umbrella.