My name is Debbie. I live in Eden Prairie, in a Hammer apartment, where staff help me when I need it. I feel very happy and excited to live in my own apartment. During the day, I go to Opportunity Partners and work at EPCO, a supported employment site. It is important to me to have a job in the community where I can do quality work.
Staff at Hammer and Opportunity Partners support my needs. They help me to learn from my mistakes, and understand things that are hard for me. They’ve also helped me to take my own meds. I couldn’t do it at first, but now I can! They help me with my finances and teach me to keep track of my money.
My staff protect me in many ways. When something bad happens, they’re always there. They help me be independent. They make sure that even though I have a disability, they look at me as an equal and encourage me to be an advocate for myself. They’re really awesome – they make me smile and make me happy.
Without my staff, I would feel miserable, upset, and sad. I wouldn’t know what to do! Without my staff, I couldn’t achieve my goals, and wouldn’t be able to live on my own or work in the community because they’re the ones who support me.
I want to thank them for many things – for supporting me, helping me, and giving me encouragement when I need it.
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