Losing Her Anchor
When Samantha Steinmetz lost her mother unexpectedly, her entire world unraveled.
At 32, Samantha had spent her entire life under the loving care of her mom in Cumberland, Maryland. But when her mother passed away suddenly, Samantha found herself alone—and unprepared for the challenges that followed. In the wake of her grief, she became the victim of financial exploitation and quickly spiraled into homelessness.
It was a heartbreaking and frightening time.
A Caring Team Steps In
Samantha’s life took a turn when she was connected to Service Coordination. Her Service Coordinator, Patricia Painter, immediately recognized that Samantha needed more than just paperwork help—she needed people in her corner.
Patricia referred Samantha to the Community First Choice (CFC) program, and that’s when Supports Planner Shonna Livengood joined the team. Shonna learned that Samantha didn’t just need services—she needed a safe, stable place to live in order to even qualify.
Working together with Samantha’s community counselor, Lori, the team quickly found her emergency housing. For the first time in her life, Samantha was living on her own. It was a temporary step, but it gave her a sense of safety—and a place to begin again.
Building the Foundation
Step by step, Samantha’s support team helped her reclaim control over her life.
Shonna connected her with a representative payee through the Human Resources Development Commission (HRDC) of Allegany County—someone to help manage her money and protect her financial future.
The team also helped Samantha gather the critical documents she had lost, like her Social Security card and birth certificate, so she could apply for permanent housing and other services. Their advocacy paid off: the CFC program made an exception to begin services while Samantha was still in temporary housing, ensuring she got the personal care she needed during a pivotal transition.
The Joy of Having a Home
After months of determination and teamwork, Samantha was finally approved for permanent housing.
She proudly contributed her own savings to furnish her new apartment, and her team rallied behind her. Shonna sourced furniture and kitchen supplies. Patricia and Lori helped move everything in—personally. Shonna even borrowed a truck to deliver items herself.
It wasn’t just about furniture. It was about dignity, comfort, and a fresh start.
A New Chapter
Now, Samantha receives home-delivered meals, personal care support, and attends medical daycare during the day. Her CFC caregiver has helped her learn valuable life skills—like doing laundry, caring for her health, and managing her home.
But it’s the little moments that mean the most.
“I love my caregiver,” Samantha says with a smile. “She taught me how to make homemade meatloaf. Now I can have my brother over for dinner.”
Living Life on Her Own Terms
Thanks to the compassion and tireless effort of Patricia, Shonna, and Lori, Samantha is now living independently with the tools and services she needs to thrive.
She has a home. She has support. And she has hope.
The Heart of What SCI Does
Samantha’s story is just one example of the life-changing work happening every day across Maryland through Service Coordination, Inc. (SCI).
From supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to helping families navigate long-term care and Medicaid waivers, SCI connects people to the resources, programs, and relationships they need to live more independently and with dignity.
Whether it’s helping someone secure safe housing, navigate a major life transition, plan for the future, or access critical services like food, health care, employment, or personal care—SCI is there every step of the way. Our person-centered approach means we meet people where they are and walk alongside them to where they want to be.
Explore our full range of services.
At SCI, we believe in the power of connection, compassion, and community. Because when we support each other, we all move forward together.