Independence Is a Journey

Independence can look different for everyone, and for Brent, an Individual Supported Living (ISL) home, it is something they are actively working toward.

Before moving into an ISL, Brent lived in a group home. “There were many people in that home, and it was chaotic,” he shared. Living in an ISL feels different. “An ISL is not as chaotic as a group home,” and that calmer environment has made it easier to focus on personal growth.

In an ISL, independence is built with support. “Staff show us the skills to help live an independent life,” he explained. Rather than doing things for him, staff help teach the skills needed for daily living and long-term success.

When asked what independence means, he is honest about where he is in the process. “Independence is living out in the real world with no support. I’ve not achieved that yet. I’m still working on it.” Still, independence matters. “It’s important to be independent so that you can rely on yourself and you don’t have to depend on others to get things done.”

With support, Brent can work toward meaningful goals. Right now, that includes returning to school and preparing for a career. “I’m working on going back to school and learning about Information Technology,” he said. His biggest goal this year is clear: “To get an IT certification. My first step is to enroll in a Google IT certification class.”

Independence also means personal responsibility. For Brent, doing better means “staying out of trouble, not arguing with my roommate, and getting along with people.”

Brent believes independence often begins with a decision. “There is a point in your life where you must decide, ‘I want to do better for myself.’ Once you hit that point everything gets easier from there.”

This journey shows that independence doesn’t mean having no support, it means having the right support while learning to build a life of your own.

 

Authored by:

Brent Deputy