Seeking the Space to Be Ourselves: Josh's SLA Journey

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

Josh

Throughout the month of June, people visiting Providence have the chance to see a special sight at night: the Rhode Island State House, lit up with the many shades of the rainbow. June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and so the first month of summer carries an extra special meaning for many across the country--including for Josh, who's a member of the LGBTQ+ community. And not only is he looking forward to the Rhode Island Pride Parade this month--even volunteering to help make sure it's a great event as always--but he's also looking forward to the day he can move into his own space, with like minded roommates. That's why he's also looking for a Shared Living Provider in Perspectives' Shared Living Arrangements (SLA) program!

"It's important to me that whoever I live with respects my identity," Josh says. "I can't deal with disrespectful people."

It's a sentiment we all share: the need to have a home that feels like a space where our true, authentic selves can be respected. For 19 year old Josh, it means finding a roommate living in or near the city. He's hoping to live with somewhere near his age, who can be a good roommate that respects his identity--and his personal space, his belongings, and his time. He knows he'd get along great with someone kind and caring, someone who doesn't cook with tons of vegetables all the time, and who likes video games like PubG and country music. And if they had a pet, like a dog or a cat, he certainly wouldn't mind, as he loves animals of all kinds. However, when it comes to living with a new person that matches his outgoing, adventurous personality, he's also hoping they can help him better manage his finances and his relationships with others.

"I get a little carried away when I get money," Josh admits. "I end up buying a lot of things that I might not really need."

Josh earns his money by working with the Maintenance Team at Perspectives, but he's looking to learn better strategies to save his money for future things and experiences that matter to him. He also loves to go out and spend time with friends, and he's hoping to learn relationship skills that let him build deeper connections with other people, getting to know them fully before defining them as friends or partners. He's got a sharp sense of humor behind his soft-spoken ways, and he's a night owl that loves to listen to music and draw to relieve stress, which means over time, he's developed a portfolio of pieces that show off his artistic talent. But these are just a few of the things that make Josh, Josh, and the best way to learn more is to speak to him directly.

"You'll learn about me more when we meet," Josh says, an open call to any potential Shared Living Providers, "but so long as you can respect me, I'm sure we'll get along!"

And no doubt, anyone looking for an opportunity to reach out and help someone find a place where they can truly be themselves will love this opportunity. Josh is looking forward to beginning the next chapter of his life, and this could be the next chapter of yours, as well! If you're interested in learning more about Josh and what it means to be a Shared Living Provider, visit our Shared Living Arrangements page and get in touch!

Seeking the Space to Be Ourselves: Josh's SLA Journey

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