Independence is built through everyday moments, relationships and long-term support. The reflections in this video come from residents who have built full lives rooted in purpose.
For many, this community has been their home for decades, providing the stability and encouragement needed to keep moving forward.
This work does not happen in a moment. It happens day after day, year after year, through people who believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live with agency and the ability to shape their own lives in meaningful ways.
This work is powered by community support. If these stories resonated with you, we invite you to learn more about how your support helps the Foundation thrive.
Please consider making a donation to our important work and this amazing community.
Video Transcript
The dream that I have is one day getting married to someone and having a house with that person, and traveling the world with someone that I love and care for.
What am I thankful for? All the staff, because when I was in the hospital, they came to check on me.
I’ve been at the foundation for 30 years. I enjoy working out with my peers and riding my bike. My bike’s name is Trixie.
What makes me smile the most is people and being with my family, especially seeing my great niece grow up.
Happiness means to me being joyful, being pleasant, being helpful, and being who I am inside of my heart. It also means the people I’ve met and have become friends with.
When Harold teaches songs, like the FIL audition, “12 Days of Christmas,” and other songs, you learn things. We also go on trips, like when we just got back from a cruise to Cancun and Honduras.
I am proud of myself because I can take care of my cat, take care of my apartment, and I can walk and do exercises.
When I get up in the morning, I’m ready to take my shower. I get on the phone with my fiancée and talk to her. I’m ready for the day and new adventures.
I watch TV or go to sleep on my bed, or eat, depending on what’s going on next.
I had a brain injury at the age of 16 months old. The primary thing it left me with, among many things, is that I’m unable to recognize faces of people I’ve seen before. This is called prosopagnosia.
In June, it will be 40 years at the foundation, doing music therapy, music and games, the music playground, and the Culture Club.
I had a nice good friend, and I have lots of friends. My favorite part of the day is being with friends. I would like to accomplish walking faster, and I haven’t fallen for almost a whole year.
