Hunter
Hunter’s Mother: “As a family member of a child with special needs, there is always a lingering question in the back of your mind: What will happen when school ends? For many years while Hunter was in school, that uncertainty weighed heavily on our family. The structure and support of the school system provided stability, but as graduation approached, the uneasy feeling of not knowing what the future would look like became increasingly overwhelming.
We had only been connected with People First for a short time, and during those early months the process of trying to understand how to build the life she both wanted and deserved felt daunting. There were moments when the stress of navigating services, supports, and long-term planning seemed too much. Thankfully, our Supports Coordinator was there every step of the way—guiding us through the system, advocating and patiently answering my seemingly endless questions.
Because of that advocacy and support, shortly before graduation she was approved for the Consolidated Waiver. That moment changed everything for our family. The waiver meant that many of the things we had hoped for—things that once seemed impossible—were suddenly within reach.
Through the waiver, she was able to receive 24/7 support in her own rented home, allowing her to live with both independence and the supervision she needs to be safe and successful. The waiver also funded important home adaptations and supports, ensuring that her living space was accessible and suited to her individual needs.
Another incredibly important piece was transportation support. The waiver allows staff to be reimbursed for using their own vehicles, which removed a financial burden that had previously fallen on our family. Hunter loves volunteering at local businesses and charities, and this support allows her to stay actively involved in her community without placing additional strain on us.
It also opened the door for specialized services that were not available locally. Hunter now attends a speech and communication program in West Chester, Pennsylvania every week. The drive is about 45 minutes each way, but having the waiver support means she can access the services she truly needs—even when they are not close to home.
From our experience as a family, I can honestly say that waiver services—no matter which waiver a person receives—open doors that might otherwise remain closed. They make services accessible, support independence, and significantly ease the financial and emotional burden that families often carry alone.
Most importantly, they help individuals build a life that is meaningful, connected, and full of opportunity.”
Jake
Meet Jake Mullen, a proud alumnus of The Vanguard School, who is living his dream of working with animals every day. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ANp7b53cs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Sarah
Sarah has a passion for advocacy work. She wants people to see how capable and competent nonspeakers are. Sarah has contributed to publications and presentations to ensure that non-speakers are represented and have access to effective communication. Sarah is part of several advocacy groups. When she is not doing advocacy work, she loves to read, participate in group discussions with other nonspeakers, and spend time with family. Sarah wants to make a positive difference and to create a kinder world for non-speakers.
Sarah shared the following: “Writing has been a freeing experience for me. The act of it frees my voice. The time it takes for me is slower than normal, however it is the one thing that helps make me feel seen. I get to express myself in ways you would never imagine. These writings show my truest self. I keep a regular blog where you can read my posts. Go to Sarah Spells to Speak.”
Ashley
Ashley continues to progress tremendously towards an independent lifestyle through her various interests. Ashley has worked at ACME for over 10 years and is consistently recognized for her hard work. Ashley’s biggest passion is all things Disney. This passion has helped her in writing her own book. Ashley is currently working on her second book and hopes to have it done by the end of 2025. Through Inspire Home & Health, Ashley mentors other individuals in their writing. Ashley is very involved in volunteer work as well. Through Inspire, Ashley helps run craft group sessions at Game on State in Media. She is also very involved in Teacher’s Teammates where she will help sort school supplies for teachers. Those who know her say that Ashley is very outgoing and positive to be around. She is always willing to help those around her. As Ashley continues to work towards an independent lifestyle, one of her biggest goals is to one day go to Disney World.
Jesse
Jesse was living independently for several years and through the covid pandemic. During Covid, he found himself struggling with the day to day and fell on hard times. During that time, his relationship with his father became estranged. Jesse was able to obtain staffing support in a group home setting, and with support of his team, he entered the mental health court program, began volunteering at the food pantry and local farms, and began saving and paying off his debt. Jesse has graduated the mental health court program and mended his relationship with his father pictured here, who traveled across the US to spend a few days with Jesse, which he reports he very much enjoyed. Today, Jesse is stable, working hard in his volunteer positions, and continues to build healthy relationships with his family and friends.
David
David, who took the step of learning to schedule his own Uber rides to get to and from his job with Aramark in the dining hall at Widener University. Traveling to work on his own is part of a pattern of David taking on greater independence. He works in the dish room at the Pride Café Dining Hall getting the dishes display-ready and the silverware separated and put away, and his stellar performance has led his supervisors to begin training him for an additional role as a cup runner. Next month, March 2020 will also mark three and a half years on the job, a testament to his commitment and reliability.
Not having to rely on his parents for rides will also yield big benefits outside the workplace: when not at work, David is something of a man about town, bowling in his local DCARO league, out with friends, volunteering at the local library, or behind his drum set, rocking along to whatever’s on his iPad. David is also committed to creating opportunities for inclusion for others, and sits on the board of directors for two organizations: Self Advocates United as 1 (SAU1), and the Sean King Fund for Inclusive Practices. Wherever he might want to go, this step forward at work will help him get there on his own.
Amanda
Amanda started 2018 with a success story worth sharing. The 27-year-old from Oxford is one step closer to her dream job, having completed 300 hours of study in nail technology at the Shilling-Douglas School of Hair Design, LLC in Newark, Delaware this month. Ramirez,who is pictured to the right holding her diploma, had perfect attendance and graduated from her program on January 3.
An employee at Salon Secrets Spa in Kennett Square for about four years, Amanda has dreamed of being a licensed nail technician, but she struggles with the reading skills needed for the testing. Her supports team arranged for someone to read her the final exam at school. The simple adjustment made all the difference, and these accommodations are planned when Amanda takes the state exam later this month.
Congratulations and best of luck to Amanda!
Jerry
Jerry continues to rise to the occasion being an independent adult. He once resided in a group home but with refining his independent living skills such as taking his medication on his own and securing employment at Alvernia University he decided to move into life sharing. Jerry has since secured a second job working at Target! Great Job Jerry!