posted
on Tuesday, October 15, 2024
While sitting in one of his favorite spots - outside on the patio - Chad smiled, looked around and shared, “I moved here in July. I really enjoy living on my own.”
It’s the first time someone places a set of keys in your hand, the first box you unpack in effort to make your place feel like a home. For many, this feeling happens soon after graduating school. For Chad, it came 34 years later.
Taking in the huge milestone, we sat outside celebrating the accomplishments and relationships he’s made while living independently. There’s a house cat named Bella who enjoys sitting on Chad’s patio set. They often sit out there together while he plays classic hits on his radio.
We met his neighbor to the right; she has two dogs he introduced us to. She's also the owner of a beautiful garden he likes to admire from his favorite spot on the patio.
We watched as Chad spoke with his neighbor about her in-home child care activities she had planned. She shared the kids were going to learn about fish that week and Chad excitedly began sharing stories from fishing with his dad when he was young. These memories sound like it might be where his love for classic hits came from.
Chad has become friends with many of his neighbors but one special memory is a moment he'll never forget.
It was the day he mustered up the courage to knock on door of his neighbor on the left. They said "hello" in passing many times but this time he wanted to invite her over for lunch.
When she accepted his invitation, he began preparing and cooking the meal for them. Their conversations over this shared meal he had prepared, turned into a discovery of similar hobbies.
Chad was so excited to find someone who also enjoyed bowling! Since lunch that day, bowling together on Tuesday nights has become a tradition.
So, why did it take 34 years for Chad to achieve his dream? Due to Chad's disability, he faced several barriers to living alone. Over time, with services from EPI, he mastered many skills needed for independent living. And still, his team felt he needed staff present "just in case"… just in case a stove was left on after cooking lunch for a neighbor or in case of an emergency.
Donations and grants from our community and its members have helped EPI develop technology enabled services where virtual staff are available "just in case."
For example, if Chad were to fall, the technology in his home would alert staff, and within minutes, someone could be dispatched to assist. That virtual staff Chad connects with - by a mere push of a button - are just down the road in the Cedar Valley.
Chad’s story is just one example of how we deliver life-changing services to those who need them most in our community.
We believe every individual, regardless of their abilities, deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life with support to gain greater independence.
We remain in awe of you and our community's continued support for the people we serve, the mission of EPI, and our dedicated staff.