Impact Stories
Steve’s Story
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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Devon’s Story
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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Jeremy’s Story
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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Samantha’s Story
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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Christopher’s Story
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’s Story
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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Shirley’s Story
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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Ethel’s Story
As a nurse, Ms. Ethel “Dee” Swanston-Williams had cared for others for years. She worked hard to provide for her children and help with her grandchildren. Even in retirement, she continued to volunteer with a hospice program to bring comfort and care to others. However, as she aged and her own health began to decline, …
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Mr. Reed’s Story
Mr. Reed was born and raised in Washington, D.C. He shared about his childhood and the hardships he experienced as he grew. Mr. Reed describes himself as a traveling man. He said, “I’ve kind of been a gypsy all of my life.” Mr. Reed expressed that he has a love for all people and felt …
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Lidiya’s Story
Lidiya Kovarskaya was born into a Jewish family on June 9, 1936 in Moscow, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). At the outbreak of WWII in Russia in 1941, she attended kindergarten just outside of Moscow. As a child, she was exposed to the war occurring around her and was even forced to hide in …
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Charles’ Story
In 1968, Charles was a senior in high school. Like many young men at that time, he was drafted into the Army at the age of 18. He went to boot camp in Ft. Knox, Kentucky and in 1969, he was stationed to service in Vietnam. He flew to Vietnam with six fellow Army soldiers …
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Ifeoma’s Story
Ifeoma Ezeofor is a 19 year old young woman residing in Prince George’s County, Maryland and was diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability disorder at the age of 5. Ifeoma was not meeting the necessary milestones as a child, and struggled to communicate her wants and needs effectively. By the age of 14, Ifeoma had …
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Abby’s Story
Abby is a 35-year-old who works at Wegman’s and received Supported Employment services from Abilities Network. In the future, Abby wants to be the manager of a coffee shop. Abby was living in a Richcroft residential site for over ten years. Utilizing the new Person-Centered Planning process which provides the framework for people in our …
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Christine’s Story
Christine Whittle is a 35-year-old woman living with her parents and sister in the Timonium area of Baltimore County. Christine is bright and kind to everyone she encounters. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and enjoys listening to audiobooks and music using her Alexa. As a child, Christine was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia; a …
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Susan’s Story
Susan Hensley is a 65 year old native of Washington, DC. Susan describes herself as easy-going person who loves people and is known by all who spend time with her, for her kindness and good sense of humor. Susan is a divorcée who raised four children and two God-children as a single mom. In addition …
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Cynthia’s Story
Ms. Haddaway is 64 years young! She was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. Ms. Haddaway was a nursing assistant for over 10 years. She stated that she loved helping older people! Ms. Haddaway has one daughter and four grandchildren who she is very close with. Ms. Haddaway first went into the nursing home in …
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Elouise’s Story
Elouise Miller is a 63-year-old, lifelong resident of Baltimore City. She is kind and personable. Elouise has a close relationship with her family. Elouise has three sons and one daughter who all live in Baltimore City. She is married and lives with her husband. Some of her hobbies include, cooking, making jewelry, and creating gift …
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Kareem’s Story
This year when a Black and Decker work site became NexDine, the contract with the DDA provider Kareem worked for ended. While Kareem was offered a position with the new company, he would not have any on site coaching from the provider. Kareem embarked on training and learned a totally new position with new duties …
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Jackie’s Story
Jacqueline “Jackie” Shumac is a fun and dynamic 58 year old Maryland resident currently being served by Service Coordination. Born in California, Jackie later settled for a time in Virginia before moving to the Baltimore area. She tells people that she has “lived everywhere” and enjoys sharing stories about her travels throughout the world. When …
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Cindy’s Story
Cynthia (Cindy) Willingham is 57-year-old resident of Mt. Vernon in Baltimore City. Cindy takes pride in growing up as a resident of Baltimore City and has spent her entire life there. Cindy’s has a close-knit family and they are very important to her. Her family members reside within a few miles of each other in …
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