In November 2016, the Community Based Day and Employment Supports program welcomed Crystal, a new referral seeking to become a participant at The Arc of Opportunity. Crystal came to The Arc as a new referral from a different agency, she came in with a strong and dedicated family support system and a determined personal want to begin work and become a working member of the independent employment world.
Crystal started at our agency with an open mind, a willingness to try our programming, and seek out what fit her needs and wants best. Within days Crystal was walking the hallways of our agency as if she had been attending programming for years, she made connections with peers and staff in which she assumed the role of friend, advocate, and assistant. On a daily basis, Crystal can be witnessed offering peers time for a meaningful conversation or lending an ear to listen to concerns from home. Crystal will offer help and assistance when she sees a need, often times taking on small tasks to help staff perform larger tasks.
Over the first few months of Crystal’s transition into The Arc of Opportunity she tried a variety of different community based outings, community based volunteer opportunities, and community based worksites. The variety of opportunities offered allowed exposure to new experiences and the ability to explore strengths both known and unknown. In February 2017, Crystal began her exploration into independent employment with a placement at The Highlands working in a housekeeping capacity. Crystal took on her new job duties and grew exponentially in her skills, abilities, and independence.
Currently, Crystal is attending The Arc of Opportunity during the day Monday thru Thursday and takes part in independent employment on the weekends. Crystal continues to keep an open mind and a lighthearted approach to her everyday activities. Working with Crystal has been a constant reminder that success is a journey and we can only take away from life as much as we put in.