By Josh Flom, CFS Program Manager
Buddy’s Journey Begins
Brance Jr, who proudly goes by “Buddy,” is a young man from Fort Bragg who lives with his mother and eight siblings. Over the past six months, Buddy has been receiving Coordinated Family Support (CFS) services and the SLS team that traveled from Redding, CA. During this time, he has demonstrated remarkable growth in self-advocacy, independence, and personal well-being. His journey highlights both his resilience and the impact of having the right support system in place.
A Fresh Start at Home: Reclaiming His Space
One of Buddy’s earliest and most meaningful accomplishments was reclaiming control over his living space. For more than three years, his bedroom had gone without a deep clean. Dust, trash, and accumulated clutter made it overwhelming. With steady guidance and encouragement from his CFS Specialist and SLS staff, Buddy tackled this challenge step by step. The result was not only a clean and organized room but also a sense of pride in what he achieved. At his quarterly meeting, with 11 people present, Buddy confidently gave everyone a tour of his newly transformed space. This was more than housekeeping; it was a milestone of accountability and self-confidence.
Steps Toward Better Health
Buddy also proudly shared with the group that he had lost several pounds, something he had not been able to accomplish in years. Where his weight had steadily increased in the past, Buddy is now experiencing progress in the opposite direction, and this has boosted his confidence even more.
Breathing New Life
Health has long been a barrier for Buddy, particularly due to breathing difficulties. With effective advocacy, he obtained a CPAP machine and portable oxygen, giving him better rest at night and renewed energy during the day. His simple but powerful words captured the difference this made: “I am alive again.” This new energy allowed him to enjoy activities he had missed out on, such as walking in the community and reconnecting with friends.
Nourishment and Renewal
Buddy also repeatedly expressed how grateful he was to have real home-cooked meals instead of relying only on microwaveable food. He shared how much better he felt knowing he was eating in a healthier way, and this contributed to his weight loss and overall sense of well-being.
Finding His Voice
Equally inspiring has been Buddy’s growing independence in decision-making. In the past, he struggled to express himself or move forward when others’ expectations weighed heavily on him. Recently, he was able to communicate directly and respectfully with his mother that, even when her direction differed, he wanted to make choices for his own life. This was a turning point, as Buddy’s voice was clear, confident, and honored.
Overcoming Loss with Resilience
This growth is especially meaningful given the challenges Buddy has faced over the last year and a half. The loss of his father had a devastating impact on him, leading to a season of depression and loss of joy. For a time, he withdrew into discouragement and silence. Today, however, Buddy is bouncing back. His progress in advocacy, his physical health improvements, and his renewed joy are evidence of his resilience and determination to move forward.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Buddy’s story is one of courage, persistence, and hope. With the ongoing support of Compass, the CFS program, and the dedicated SLS team that traveled from Redding, he continues to build skills, reclaim independence, and set new goals for his life. His accomplishments are worth celebrating, and we look forward to seeing his growth continue in the months and years ahead.