Preparing for Adulthood: Housing Opportunities

On March 27, 2009, The Supported Community Living Initiative will be presenting at the Family Connection Conference. Our session will discuss housing opportunities for children with disabilities who desire to move into the community and the importance of supports from family and friends. A parent, whose son has recently moved into a house of his own, will co-present with Kristi to share her experience as he and his family prepared him for living successfully in the community.

My future as a leader

It’s now February and I’ve been interning at CDR for the past six months which can be either a good or a bad thing, depending on which way you look at it. It’s a good thing because I’m comfortable with my surroundings, have learned my way around the place, know everyone by name and where to find them and the people I’m working with know who I am as well as all the other circle members. Now you’re probably wondering, what could possibly be bad? Well, I’ll tell you. Since I am settled in here at the Supported Community Living Initiative, it’s about time for me to begin facillitating a circle meeting which means: be the leader aka speak while everyone’s staring at me and know what to respond with if asked any type of question.

First reaction: Yipes!

Second thought: I can totally do this.

It’s actually way easier than I had originally imagined. I honestly was the most nervous about not having enough to say but after the first like 14 seconds I could barely get a word in because everyone else just began discussing things after my opening statement which made the process go a lot smoother and completely removed all doubts for myself and my future as a leader.
The meeting turned out to be a success. It felt good to be in control.
Thanks guys for encouraging me and having faith in my leadership skills!