Spending time with the Miller brothers offers a genuine sense of how close-knit their family truly is. Dogs wander in and out of the room, occasionally jumping onto laps, and the men patiently laugh and dote on them. It’s immediately clear that this is a home filled with familiarity, comfort, and connection.
Twenty-four-year-old twins Austin and Chad enjoy staying active outdoors. Chad helps on a family and friend’s farm, enjoys ranching, and works at Mobil 1 in Iowa City. He also participates in local softball and bowling leagues. Austin is a bit more adventurous—he loves snowboarding, along with bowling and golf. Their younger brother, twenty-three-year-old Skyler, prefers quieter activities. He enjoys reading and playing video games. He works at the local Hy-Vee.
Their mother, Cindy Smith, speaks with pride about the growth and independence of her sons. While they admit they used to argue when they were younger, one thing they have always agreed on is their desire to stay together in the home where they grew up.
As Cindy began facing health challenges, she started searching for a service provider that could support her sons in continuing to live full lives in their community. After hearing positive recommendations from friends, Cindy reached out to Systems to explore whether there was a way for her sons to remain together in their childhood home.
Although it is not common for Systems to purchase a home, the management team took time to carefully explore the possibility. After months of collaborative problem-solving around budgets, staffing, and necessary renovations, a solution emerged. With the brothers’ agreement to welcome an additional housemate—helping make the home more sustainable—Systems was able to step in. In October 2025, Systems officially assumed support of the home, ensuring the men could continue living together in a place that holds deep meaning for them.
When asked how they feel about having staff in their home, the brothers shared that they enjoy the support. They described their Supported Living Supervisor, Chad Hummel, as “a little bit funny,” and said they appreciate having staff around.
For Cindy, the arrangement has brought an immense sense of relief. She recently returned from visiting her brother in Mexico—something she says would not have been possible before. “I’m easing in and out,” Cindy shared. “It is such a relief knowing the kids are taken care of. I would never have gone on this trip before.”
While the brothers are adjusting to their mom no longer living with them, they agree there is one thing they miss most: “mom hugs.”
Remaining in their longtime neighborhood has also been a source of comfort. The brothers are surrounded by neighbors who have known them their entire lives and who continue to offer support whenever it’s needed. Their sister lives nearby, and their nephew often stops by to visit his uncles after school.
“It takes a village,” Cindy said. “We have so much support from this community.” Systems is honored to be part of that village. Supporting this family not only reflects Systems’ commitment to person-centered, community-based living—it also marks a meaningful milestone as the organization celebrates its 100th Supported Community Living home.
