A Joyful Spirit Full of Heart
At just 20 years old, Jeremy Markovic lights up every room he enters.
Energetic, kind, and endlessly curious, Jeremy loves music and dancing, can talk about animals for hours (especially tigers), and finds joy in movies—especially anything Disney or Pixar. He’s proud of his family, eager to share photos and stories with anyone who’ll listen, and always ready with a smile.
Adopted as an infant, Jeremy now lives with his family in Bel Air, Maryland, where he’s supported by a compassionate team of people who are deeply invested in his success. His primary diagnosis is Autism, but it’s his bright personality and determination that truly define him.
A Team United Around His Goals
Jeremy has a long history of supports in place—from the Autism Waiver to DDA services and behavioral health programming. In 2018, he began working with SCI, first with Lauren Durham and then with Sara Jacobs, who became his Supports Planner in August 2019.
Sara was new to Harford County at the time, and Jeremy was one of her first participants in the area. She quickly saw his desire for independence and partnered with his family and care team to help him pursue it.
Together, they developed a revised Plan of Service through the Community First Choice (CFC) program—one focused on adaptive tools and hands-on learning to increase his independence in daily living.
Learning Through Technology, Growing with Confidence
Thanks to the updated plan, Jeremy received a set of kitchen and hygiene tools tailored to his needs and safety. These included:
• A ring-pull can opener
• Extra-long oven gloves
• Cut-resistant gloves
• A Swedish cutting board and rocker knife
• A one-touch can opener
• A splatter screen for stovetop cooking
With these tools, Jeremy is now learning to cook independently—and he’s loving every minute of it. The CFC program also provided personalized hygiene tools that help him complete daily routines with less assistance.
These small adaptations are helping Jeremy build something even bigger: confidence.
Navigating COVID-19 with Strength and Support
When the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted many of Jeremy’s programs—including his beloved day program—his team jumped into action. With the help of Sara and his nurse from the Local Health Department, his annual redetermination was safely completed over the phone.
Recognizing that Jeremy would need more support during the shutdown, his family worked with Sara to request additional temporary service hours through CFC. The increase was approved, and the extra help has made a big difference.
Though the pandemic presented new behavioral challenges, Jeremy and his family leaned on their full support network—CFC, DDA, BHA, and the Autism Waiver—to adjust and move forward together.
“He’s surrounded by people who truly care,” his family says.
“And he continues to grow into the confident young man he’s becoming.”
The Heart of What SCI Does
Jeremy’s story is a beautiful reminder of what happens when the right tools, support, and encouragement come together around a determined individual. He is thriving—not just because of services, but because of a coordinated network of people who believe in his potential.
At Service Coordination, Inc., we walk alongside individuals and families across Maryland, helping them access programs like Community First Choice and the Autism Waiver while building plans that are as unique as the people we serve.
Explore our full range of services.
Because at SCI, we don’t just coordinate services—we help build independence, celebrate individuality, and ensure no one walks the journey alone.