Four years ago, Erik was 21-years-old and living at home with his parents. Attractive and outgoing, Erik was eager for his independence - but because he has mild disabilities, his family knew that he simply could not leave home and live on his own without some support.

"We knew we had to do something,” his mother recalled. "He needed to grow away from us and learn to take responsibility for different areas of his life.”

The family discovered the unique support services provided by CCS and since then Erik has moved into an apartment with a roommate. He has learned to cook, take care of his laundry, manage money, travel to and from his job and take responsibility for his personal health and hygiene. Erik’s family is still involved with him, but now they function as a support system, not as caretakers. Erik has always had a positive self-image, according to his mother. The only thing he needed was to learn the essential skills for living successfully in the community as an adult. The help from Creative Community Services has made Erik’s independence possible.

“He’s grown so much and he keeps on growing” his mother says. “This arrangement lets him be free to be who he is.”