By Adrian Salas, SLS Supervisor
This last fall we had the great opportunity to work with, and get to know, Alice. Her story is filled with strength, beauty, and humor. Alice has lived independently for the last few decades, figuring out what it means to support her home and life. Of course, living independently does not mean living alone, as Alice has many different people and organizations that support her in living her life the way she wishes.
This last fall we had the great opportunity to work with, and get to know, Alice. Her story is filled with strength, beauty, and humor. Alice has lived independently for the last few decades, figuring out what it means to support her home and life. Of course, living independently does not mean living alone, as Alice has many different people and organizations that support her in living her life the way she wishes.
From SLS to ILS
Moving from ILS to SLS is not an easy decision, as it involves being brave enough to ask for help. This was a concern that I had for Alice, not that she wouldn’t partner with us, but that she may lose some of her independence that she fought so hard to keep. I am so glad that I was wrong. Alice has been able to maintain her way of life, and Compass is doing our job of making things more accessible to her. Alice loves planning her day out and having Compass follow along beside her, partaking in all the necessary and fun outings that come along with that. Alice maintains her autonomy in most areas of her life and shows her strength in how much she wants to participate in everyday living, including her amazing fashion and coordination choices!
Admirable Community
Alice’s community is something to be admired. She has built a foundation of love and friendship through the organizations that she participates in and the relationships she maintains. I have witnessed the way her laughter brightens the room, how her stories leave you wanting more, and how her jokes just hit the right spot, often leaving you needing a minute to breathe and recover. Alice participates in her art day program, weekly church services, living with her roommates, talking with her son, and finding love in her relationship with her boyfriend. Being involved with that many different groups would leave me exhausted, but Alice is energized by it, and it shows in her spirit.
I am so honored to be given the chance to introduce Alice, and I hope that you are inspired to live as fiercely as she does.