They watch ballgames played at the Marthasville Community Club. Some days it might be a trip over to Washington to go bowling or to eat out.These folks may have developmental disabilities, but to them they’re living — and loving — life.Opponents of a proposed plan to close the Emmaus Homes campus outside of Marthasville fear those days could be over.Many of the parents and guardians of the residents who live on the campus are fighting a recommendation to relocate their family members to group homes in nearby communities by 2020. Emmaus executives say they can no longer continue to pour funding into the 120-year-old campus, especially when cheaper alternatives exist. The campus is home to 77 individuals with developmental disabilities who receive 24-hour residential care.The Emmaus Board of Directors, on May 19, will vote to approve the plan, reject it, or postpone it. The latter two options are what the opponents are hoping for.We agree a decision should be delayed — for now.Supporters made a final plea to keep the Marthasville campus open during a May 7 meeting attended by Emmaus board members and executives.Several of the comments were pointed and direct, accusing Emmaus officials of failing to communicate the reasons for the possible closure and not being transparent enough during the process leading up to next week’s vote. We can certainly understand their frustration. It is their sons and daughters they’re talking about and whose lives will be changed if they are forced to relocate to a new home.Some parents fear their children, after all these years, won’t be able to adjust to new surroundings.By delaying the decision next week would allow Emmaus officials to improve their communication and create a better dialogue with parents and guardians about the financial struggles and difficulties they are experiencing at the campus. It also gives campus supporters an opportunity to see if a viable option exists that may offset some of the annual maintenance costs. A one-time fundraiser won’t solve the funding dilemma. We’re talking about lots and lots of cash.There’s no question the buildings on the Marthasville campus are old and they are expensive to maintain. And its rural location creates another financial hardship for infrastructure improvements to the property.Emmaus officials claim that the nonprofit organization loses $400,000 annually, even before the first hour of service is provided to a resident. They expect that deficit to grow in the future. Future federal funding also could be in jeopardy if Emmaus continues to keep the campus open, officials said.What Emmaus officials maybe didn’t expect was the heart and resolve from the Warren and Franklin County residents who have supported the campus for years. This area is known for stepping up to the plate in a time of need.Give the supporters some extra time to see what other alternatives are out there to keep the campus open. Give them a swinging chance.