A Quiet Thinker with a Passion for Words
Christopher “Chris” Perkins is a man of many interests and quiet wisdom.
Now 53, Chris lives at Assisted Living of Rockville, where he’s built a life that gives him the support he needs—and the space to pursue the things he loves. He’s an avid writer, a chess enthusiast, and a devoted sports fan with an uncanny ability to recall statistics from nearly every game he’s watched. But behind his calm, reflective nature is a long journey filled with challenges, resilience, and the pursuit of stability.
Chris grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland as an only child in a close-knit, loving family. He attended St. Bernadette’s School, followed by Good Counsel Catholic High School. Inspired by faith and service, he entered the University of Notre Dame to study for the priesthood. But undiagnosed diabetes and bipolar disorder began to interfere with his studies, and without the right support in place, he returned home.
Determined to continue his education, he completed night school at the University of Maryland—and set his sights on a new dream: becoming a journalist.
Life Interrupted, and a New Chapter Begins
In 2011, Chris’s health took a sharp turn. Complications from diabetes led to blood clots in his legs and lungs, leaving him temporarily paralyzed from the waist down. He spent significant time in rehab, working to regain strength and mobility. Eventually, he transitioned to Harmony Hall Assisted Living in Howard County through the Community Options (CO) Waiver.
In 2018, when Harmony Hall stopped accepting CO Waiver participants, Chris moved to his current residence in Rockville—and that’s when he met his SCI Supports Planner, Kimberly Quinn.
Planning for Stability—and a Better Quality of Life
Kimberly quickly saw Chris’s strengths: his intelligence, his introverted but thoughtful personality, and his self-awareness. She also recognized his medical needs, including support with arthritis, mobility challenges, diabetes, and mental health. Together, they developed a personalized Plan of Service to ensure Chris received the daily assistance he needed while honoring his desire for independence.
Chris now benefits from:
- Medical oversight from visiting physicians
- A care team that assists with activities of daily living
- A private room that offers comfort and personal space
- Outings with facility staff and social engagement on his terms
He especially appreciates the balance of independence and support at his current facility. He has the freedom to pursue hobbies like writing, stamp and coin collecting, and attending local chess club events—all of which Kimberly helped coordinate.
“Chris feels more respected here,” Kimberly notes.
“He knows he’s being treated like an adult, and that makes all the difference.”
Thriving Through Person-Centered Support
With the CO Waiver in place, Chris has remained medically and mentally stable. He’s able to manage his medications, engage with others when he chooses, and reflect on his experiences through writing. Kimberly continues to advocate for equipment and services that make his daily life more manageable and meaningful—from diabetic supplies to community activities that align with his interests.
His current goal? To lose weight and ease the pressure on his joints so he can move more comfortably and improve his overall health.
But perhaps more than anything, Chris is grateful for the consistency and care he’s received—especially from Kimberly.
“He’s been through so much,” she says.
“But he’s always thoughtful, kind, and full of stories. He just needed a place—and a team—that sees him for who he really is.”
The Heart of What SCI Does
Chris’s story is a powerful example of what happens when person-centered care meets true advocacy. At Service Coordination, Inc., we believe every individual deserves to be heard, respected, and supported—on their own terms.
Through Medicaid waiver support, housing transitions, personal care coordination, and long-term planning, SCI helps individuals like Chris live with dignity, purpose, and greater peace of mind.
Explore our full range of services.
Because behind every care plan is a real person—with a story, a voice, and a future worth fighting for.