Forging the Future in Shared Living Arrangements: Yankee's Journey

Shared Living Arrangements, COVID-19, Rhode Island, Disabilities, Achievement, Creative, Home, Respite, Earn Money

Yankee

Whether we're out with friends or spending time inside by ourselves, what matters is that we feel like we have a sense of home: that we know we're respected, cared for, and safe. It's something hard to grasp, in a world where everything changes so fast--from changing apartments and roommates to changing friend groups and schools--but ultimately, achieving that space to create and be our best selves is something we're all out to do. For Yankee, who's looking to start the next phase of his life in a new place to call home, the Shared Living Arrangements (SLA) program is one way to do that--and you could be the Shared Living Provider he's looking for!

"I'm looking for someone to live with that's lively and fun," Yankee says. "Someone who's in my age range and is relaxed."

Something that feels more like a roommate would be the best fit for almost twenty-year-old Yankee. He's the kind of person who likes to spend time at home on his phone or listening to music, or taking spontaneous trips out with friends, walking at the Narragansett seawall, shopping, and other fun things out in good weather. He's also fond of the occasional walk throughout the day, though he makes sure to keep his phone on him in case anyone needs to reach him. But he's an easygoing guy with a sharp sense of humor, and he'd love to live with someone who has a sense of adventure and likes to travel. He's fine living anywhere in the state, so long as it isn't too remote, too. One thing he absolutely wouldn't like, however, is living in a place that had kids, especially younger children.

"Absolutely no kids," Yankee says with a chuckle. "But I love dogs, so pets are fine."

When it comes to goals and things he'd like to work on, the biggest is quitting smoking. He doesn't want to smoke cigarettes anymore and is looking to break the habit, but could use some support as he does. He's also looking to get his driver's license and earn more money with his work on the Perspectives maintenance team. In terms of food, so long as there aren't any vegetables on his plate, he's happy eating pretty much anything else, and he'll do chores around the house--though it'd be good to have some gentle support to motivate him to get to them sooner rather than later.

But for Yankee, the best way to get to know him is face to face, where you can laugh with him over the jokes he makes and get talking about all kinds of other interesting things. He's got many a story, and with the things he'd like to accomplish, he's looking to start a new chapter in a home that can help him be his best self. If you want to learn more about our SLA program, check out our page--and if you're interested in being an SLA provider, be sure to get in touch!

Forging the Future in Shared Living Arrangements: Yankee's Journey

Read More From Perspectives ...