The Good Stuff!

Take a moment to look at this picture because it displays fortitude and perseverance. Steve is 59 years old and is now living independently on his own in an apartment in Frederick, MD. Although he has had many trials and tribulations throughout his life, he has learned how to advocate for himself and shown remarkable …
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Kathryn “Katie” Masser is a 24-year-old woman who is diagnosed with Down syndrome and Hypothyroidism. She is very socially outgoing and enjoys dancing, singing, acting, swimming, and cosplaying as “Super Amazing Girl” and various Disney princesses/queens. Katie lives with her mother, Amy, who is a children’s photographer. Katie left the school system in 2017 as …
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During a weekly COVID-19 check in with a person she supports, Service Coordinator (SC) Helen Stovall and the person discussed that he was still working at his job (grocery store). When the SC talked with him about keeping himself safe while working in the community, the person disclosed that he was not practicing good hand-washing …
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Written by Nicola Rankin-Ortiz, SCI Supports Planner Mr. Edwards resides in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Mr. Edwards was assigned to SCI in December 2019. I first met with him at Larkin Chase Nursing & Restorative Care Center where he was admitted following a stroke. Mr. Edwards’ daughter was also present at our first meeting and …
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Samantha Murray is currently working with DB who receives personal support services through a provider. DB is deaf and lives with his family and they are unable to communicate to him with signing. DB relied on signing with his personal support staff, who assisted him with managing and learning techniques for emotional control. DB’s personal …
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Jeremy Markovic is a 20-year-old living with his family in the Bel Air area of Harford County after being adopted and brought to the United States at a little under 6 months old. Jeremy is energetic and kind to everyone he meets. Jeremy loves music and dancing! He likes animals, especially tigers. Movies are a …
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      Pam Pasternack, a CCS team member, has been working with LB for around 13 years. She lives with her parents in Catonsville and they provide support. LB and her CCS keep in close contact during the current state of emergency, at least 1 time a week via email or phone. LB‘s transition …
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An SCI Coordinator of Community Services (CCS) is working with EL, a young man who had lived with his family his whole life, and who chose not to enter services at his Transitioning Youth (TY) year. EL was living at home with his Mom, who suddenly died from a terminal illness, leaving his older brother …
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Rachael Perry is 22 and likes to sing and express herself artistically. She is known for her bubbly and pleasant personality and making others laugh. She obtained GTYI services in 2018 and began attending Friends Aware Inc. (FAI) Life Enrichment Center. At that time she was living with family and life was challenging for a …
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Samantha Steinmetz is a 32-year-old resident of Cumberland, Maryland located in Allegany County.  Over the past two years of her life, Samantha has endured many hardships.  Samantha was cared for by her mother throughout her entire life. Two years ago, Samantha’s mother passed away suddenly and Samantha found herself alone.  This was a very difficult …
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Gary is a 29 year old young man who lives in Glen Burnie with his Mother and Father. Gary has a diagnosis of Autism, and requires a 1:1 to support him. While some may think this is a challenge to leading a fulfilling life, having extra support has helped Gary to become an active member …
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Christopher “Chris” Perkins is a 53-year-old man who lives in Assisted Living of Rockville’s facility, located in Rockville, MD. In 2011, he ended up in a nursing home due to blood clots forming in his legs and lungs. These clots formed from his diabetes diagnosis and it left him paralyzed from the waist down. He …
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Mr. Gavrielov is 73 years young. He moved to the United States 27 years ago. He currently resides in Pikesville with his family. Mr. Gavrielov’s love for design and creation led him to a career as a jeweler. Today, you will find Mr. Gavrielov spending time with his family, playing chess, and of course still …
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Jane is a 67-year-old woman who lives in Frederick, Maryland. Jane takes pride in living life on her own terms and does a great job advocating for herself in all aspects of life. Jane is living with an Intellectual Disability as well as Bipolar Disorder and mobility issues. Jane is supported by the CFC program …
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LaTanya Neverdon is served from the Baltimore City catchment. Her service coordinator, Shawn Nolan-Bateman and LaTanya have worked together for a few years. LaTanya is very proud of a major accomplishment she has recently made. She’s always felt a bit self-conscious about her reading skills. She wanted to improve her abilities in this area so …
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Knowing his fondness for the arts and creativity, Dorian’s job developer helped make a job match at a small, woodworking company called Autumn Summer. They manufacture high end, handmade wooden gifts which they brand with a company’s logo. Autumn Summer owner Ryan Herbstsomer, was very welcoming and accommodating to Dorian. As shop assistant, Dorian’s duties …
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In honor of Veterans Day, November 11th, we would like to share a local veteran’s story. Born in July of ’46 David Richard was of the age in 1966 to be one of 2.2 million young American’s to be drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam era. David was inducted in March of 1966, …
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Recently I had been asked to provide coverage for an individual, during a visit and discussion with her I have learned that she is an artist and that being in Self-Directed services has allowed her to pursue and achieve this. I was invited to her art show yesterday and below are some pictures of some …
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Ms. Shirley Thorne is a resident of Prince George’s County, Maryland. Ms. Thorne was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two. However, at an early age she decided that she would indeed live a productive life. Having undergone extensive surgeries to assist with her ability to walk, she endured great pain. At the …
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Emily is a 22 year old woman who moved to Maryland towards the end of high school. After struggling with the transition to a new school and new state, Emily found Self Directed Services. The road to Self-Directed Services was a long and struggling one at times but for Emily the Self Directed model fit …
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