No one is born with all the skills they need to be independent.
We know how to spot the skills each member needs, and we know how to make learning fun.
Maya's story of making friends
When the Johnson family first came to us, their biggest hope wasn’t housing or job skills—it was something far more personal: friendship.
Their daughter Maya was bright, funny, and full of personality. But despite her warmth, she spent most of her teenage years feeling alone. She watched her siblings go to sleepovers, join clubs, and make lifelong friends--while she struggled to find people who truly understood her.
Her parents shared their deepest wish with us, 'We just want her to have someone to laugh with. Someone to text. Someone to miss her when she’s not around.'
That’s where our journey with Maya began.
We started by listening. We asked Maya what she loved, what made her feel safe, and what kind of connections she dreamed of. Then, we introduced her to a small group of peers in our supported living community who shared her passions: music, baking, and a love for animals.
At first, Maya was quiet. She waited for others to make the first move. The conversations were short, and the connections felt fleeting.
But Maya didn’t give up.
After a few weeks of trying, she gathered the courage to ask one peer for their phone number. That simple moment changed everything. Texting made it easier to open up, and soon, their conversations blossomed into something beautiful.
Friendship. Real, lasting friendship.
Maya was invited to game nights, movie outings, and dinners with her expanding group of friends. She even joined our group trips to explore cities across the U.S.—laughing, sharing and growing with her friends.
And for the first time, Maya had a birthday party where every guest was someone she’d chosen herself.
Today, Maya’s parents say the biggest change isn’t just in her social life—it’s in her confidence. She walks taller. She smiles more. She talks about her future with excitement.
And her parents? They finally feel like they’re not the only ones cheering her on.
Daniel's story of building skills
When Daniel first joined our program, he was 17 and just finishing high school.
His parents were proud of how far he’d come, but they were also worried.
He wanted to live on his own someday and get a job, but they didn’t know where to start. He struggled with routines, had trouble staying focused, and had never even been to a job interview. His mom told us, 'We just want him to have a shot at a real life—something that’s his.'
We started small. Daniel joined us for a few weekends away to get used to being on his own and learned how to cook simple meals, manage a budget, and stick to a schedule. At first, he needed reminders and lots of support—but over time, he started setting his own alarms, writing accurate grocery lists, and even helping others in the group.
Then came the job training. We helped Daniel fill out job applications, role-play interviews, and learn how to handle real-world challenges like asking for help or managing stress. When he got a job at his local grocery store—stocking shelves three days a week—his parents were over the moon. But the best part? He came home after his first shift beaming with pride.
Today, Daniel lives in an apartment with a friend. He cooks dinner every night, takes the bus to work, and even started saving for a trip to visit family out of state. His parents say they sleep better at night—not because everything is perfect, but because they know Daniel has the tools, the support, and the confidence to build a life of his own.
Alex's story of learning to live independently
When Alex first came to us, the idea of living on his own felt like a dream—one that always seemed just out of reach.
He was in his mid-20s, full of potential, but had never spent a night away from his parents. His parents did everything for him—cooked his meals, managed his doctor appointments, even picked out his clothes.
His mom told us, 'We love him more than anything, but we know we won’t always be here. He deserves a life that’s his own.'
We started by building trust—getting to know what Alex loves (Detroit sports) and how he prefers to show up in our community (quietly at first, and with support to start conversations with new people.) Once trust was built, we worked together to build new skills.
Alex first learned how to make a few simple meals and manage his daily routine. And we practiced everything—from locking his door at night to managing anxiety in group settings.
He had support every step of the way, but we made sure he was the one making decisions.
When Alex moved into his own apartment, it wasn’t without nerves. But we were there—checking in, helping him set up his space, and celebrating every milestone. The first time he paid his rent on time, he called us just to say, 'I did it!'
And the first time he hosted his parents for dinner, his mom cried. Not because she was worried—but because she saw her son becoming the adult she always knew he could be.
Now, Alex lives independently, takes the bus to his part-time job, and volunteers at the local library. He’s proud of his space, his routines, and the life he’s building.
And his parents? They’ve gone from caretakers to cheerleaders.