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Spotlight December 2005
AJ's Story
Arnold J., or "AJ" as he prefers to be called, is 47 years old. AJ loves clothes, likes to clean, is full of energy and is glad to be able to finally have a place he can call home.
AJ was at Christopher East Health and Rehabilitation Center since February of 2002, due to a car accident. He was a diabetic, had had a stroke and suffered from several other physical ailments. It was at Christopher East that AJ met Julie Alexander, an Independent Living Lead Coordinator at IndependenceFirst and things began to "look up" for AJ.
Julie was at Christopher East in July of 2005 doing a *Rent Smart presentation. AJ attended the class and was determined to leave Christopher East and move into his own apartment. Prior to meeting with Julie, AJ was having difficulties in finding somewhere to go. He had bad credit and evictions that needed to be cleared up before he could consider moving. Once those things were taken care of, Julie helped to facilitate a meeting between AJ and the management of the accessible apartment that he had waited so long to move into. Julie facilitated funding through the State of Wisconsin, Community Advocates and Christopher East provided financial assistance to help AJ realize his goal of living again in the community.
Now that AJ knew he had someplace to go, he needed to concentrate on the personal cares that he would need once he was on his own. He contacted the Personal Assistance Services Department at IndependenceFirst. In time AJ was assigned a nurse, Jodi, and with Jodi's assistance, he began interviewing prospective Personal Care Workers to assist him upon his return to the community. AJ was able to find a worker, Margaret, who has proven to be not only a phenomenal worker, but also a friend.
The last thing that AJ needed to address was home furnishings and appliances for his new home. The Independent Living Department at IndependenceFirst assisted him with the moving process and also aided in the process of obtaining furniture, etc, through charitable donations. AJ officially moved on August 31, 2005. Since AJ loves to shop, he targeted local rummage sales for a quick and less expensive way to furnish his apartment. He has since done incredible things to make his apartment into a home.
AJ is adjusting to being back in the community. It has been a bumpy ride, but AJ is determined to make it work. He would like to go back to school to get a degree in Music and then continue on to get his degree in social work so that eventually he can work with children as a drug and alcohol counselor. As a former addict, he feels he can change the lives of children who don't have anyone to look up to. He can be their mentor as well as a friend. AJ also goes to church regularly and will be singing his first solo this month! The greatest thing that AJ feels that he can do is to touch other people's hearts. Sometimes, it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference. AJ is thankful for all the support of IndependenceFirst to help him get back into the community where he belongs!