A Life Lived with Spirit and Strength
Mr. Reed was born and raised in Washington, D.C., and from the very beginning, he walked a different path. A self-described gypsy soul, Mr. Reed spent much of his life moving across states, never one to be boxed in by expectations or boundaries.
“I’ve kind of been a gypsy all my life,” he said with a smile. “I never fit inside the box.”
Over the years, he built a life full of stories. He married at 17—with his father’s signature giving permission—and would go on to marry twice more, helping to raise 13 children, including two daughters and a son of his own. He worked as a Merchant Seaman, then as a carpenter, roofer, painter, decorator, and even built cubicles for the FBI. He worked on roofs at the Pentagon and in D.C. public schools. His hands shaped homes, schools, and government buildings—but what he built most was a life defined by generosity, faith, and freedom.
Health Challenges and a New Chapter
In later years, life presented new challenges. Mr. Reed suffered two strokes and endured two broken hips, each requiring surgery and a long road to recovery. By the time he was connected to his Supports Planner, Elizabeth Peters, in the fall of 2018, Mr. Reed was living in a rented basement apartment—but it didn’t feel like home.
He longed for more independence, but securing stable housing was tough. His income was just above the threshold to qualify for rental assistance, and the waitlists for affordable apartments were impossibly long. He also didn’t feel safe. The other tenant in the basement became increasingly difficult to live with, and though Mr. Reed tried to avoid conflict, the tension wore him down. Still, he resisted the idea of assisted living.
“My independence is the only thing I had left,” he told Elizabeth.
He worried about giving up his freedom—and his beloved belongings. But Elizabeth kept searching.
A Difficult Choice, A Temporary Haven
As the situation with his roommate worsened, Mr. Reed finally agreed to explore assisted living options—but only as a stepping stone. Elizabeth found a nearby facility that offered transportation for a tour. To Mr. Reed’s surprise, they welcomed his personal belongings, offered storage, and most importantly, respected his desire to maintain autonomy.
In May, with Elizabeth’s support, Mr. Reed made the move.
Rediscovering Strength and Community
The change wasn’t easy, but it brought unexpected peace. Mr. Reed found balance in his new routine—eating well, resting more, and reconnecting with others. His health improved. His stress diminished. He even began to enjoy himself again.
But his dream of independent living never faded.
With Elizabeth by his side, Mr. Reed continued working toward that goal—and just a few months later, in August 2019, he moved into his own rental home near Waldorf.
A New Home, A Renewed Spirit
When Elizabeth visited him in his new space, she found him singing, unpacking, and decorating with joy. His power wheelchair gave him access to the neighborhood, and with no steps to navigate, he moved freely and confidently.
Mr. Reed had created not just a place to live—but a place to thrive.
“I believe success in life is not materialistic,” he said. “It’s humanistic. It’s about inner peace.”
His words reflect the way he lives: with purpose, positivity, and gratitude. Working with Mr. Reed, Elizabeth says, is a privilege—and his joyful, determined spirit is a reminder of why this work matters.
The Heart of What SCI Does
Mr. Reed’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and the power of personalized support. Across Maryland, Service Coordination, Inc. (SCI) partners with individuals just like Mr. Reed—helping them navigate life transitions, regain independence, and access the services and support they need to live on their own terms.
From navigating Medicaid waivers to transitioning out of hospitals or unsafe housing, SCI’s Supports Planners walk side by side with people through some of life’s most difficult moments—offering encouragement, advocacy, and compassionate care.
Explore our full range of services.
At SCI, we believe that success isn’t about titles or things—it’s about freedom, dignity, and the chance to live life with peace and purpose. And like Mr. Reed, we believe that sometimes, the greatest journeys start with someone simply answering the knock at the door.