Before becoming an APSI client, Joe’s home life was rocky, and his parents made decisions for him without his input. Ultimately, he moved out of his parents’ house, and APSI was appointed to serve as his guardian.
Joe’s Protective Services Representative, Emily, has supported Joe in his decision-making, showing him that he can choose things like what he wears or what haircut he gets. Joe continues to increase his independence by learning to cook his meals and reducing the number of staff he needs.
“I think it’s important because I think he is so capable to do those things, and we should always allow whoever we’re guardian for the ability to make those decisions and help them in the areas that they need,” Emily said.
He says his ultimate goal is to only get help "here and there." Joe’s home staff has been impressed with his strides towards independence. One of his staff, Branwen Diakonis, Reign Residential Chief Operating Officer, says she “can’t put it in words; the growth in him is just amazing."
Initially, Emily noted that he struggled to be around his housemates and had a hard time cooperating.
Since then, Joe has formed strong friendships with his housemates and has become an active member of his community. Emily adds, “He’s hilarious, and he just makes me smile whenever I work with him… He is blossoming into an amazing young guy.”
With his newfound freedom, Joe has visited new places and enjoyed experiences he never knew of. During his trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee this year, he went rock climbing, attended a lumberjack dinner show where he won a prize, and even saw a bear. But by far, Joe's favorite activity was white water rafting.
Joe aspires to visit all 50 states, and he opened a savings account to save money for future vacations. Joe never imagined he would have his own bank account before meeting his team, “I was thinking I [would never] get one, but now I got one.”
Since moving out of his parents' home, Joe has dove into new hobbies such as gardening, puzzles, and crafting, especially with wood. Emily says, "He’s really starting to find the things that he really enjoys doing, which I think is great."
Every year, Joe volunteers with Habitat for Humanity’s Playhouse Project, where he and other volunteers work together to make playhouses for children. He says that volunteering “is one thing I love doing.”
As Joe gains independence, he aims to start his own vending machine business, raising money for it through yard work and pet care for his neighbors. Joe also has an employment navigator who helps him find business resources at the library.
With the funds from his business, Joe hopes to earn a home through Habitat for Humanity. Joe says, “Sooner or later, I want to get a house, you know? I want a house and that’s what I [am working] on right now.
Joe wants to live independently, learn to drive, start a family, and become his own guardian. These are all things now possible because of support from APSI, his team, and most importantly, his hard work. When Joe met Emily, he hesitated to try new things, but now, he plans a lifetime of adventure.
“He just has such an attitude of, ‘I want to accomplish so many things.’ I think he definitely has the capability to do those things and so much more,” Emily said. “I think his story will be one that people would remember.”
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