Jenna

Hi! My name is Jenna Bell. I am 28 years old and I live in my own apartment in Sunbury. I currently have a roommate, Chrissy, who helps me with stuff. My roommate helps me with budgeting my money, grocery shopping, taking me to appointments, and we like to hang out. In May of this year, my roommate will be moving out and I will be living on my own with only hourly support. I will have a staff person that comes into my home a few hours a day and helps me. I would like to take a few minutes to tell you about my journey and how far I have come.

Before I moved into my apartment I was living at a group home in Sunbury. When I lived at my group home I was not very independent. I did not like that they had to keep my id locked up, my medications locked up, and I wasn’t able to go as I please. I didn’t have control over my life. The staff always told me what to do and I didn’t like that. I also worked at a shelter workshop. I did not want to work there, but no one would listen!!

After being frustrated for a very long time I decided to leave my group home and get an apartment of my own. Shared support helped me do this. I had meetings with them and they helped me pick out my own apartment, I was able to pick out things for my home, and I was able to help them hire my roommate. It felt nice to finally have some control in my life.

Since I have moved into my apartment a lot has changed. I no longer have to keep my id locked up. I do not have to lock my meds. I take my meds independently. I walk to the pharmacy to pick up my meds and then I check to make sure they are right. I am able to do more things and do stuff on my own. I got a new job! I am employed by a church in Sunbury and I am a cleaning lady at the church. I work Monday thru Friday from 7amto 1pm. I have done so much cool stuff that I didn’t do before. I go on a vacation every year now, I have holiday parties at my house, I go for walks a lot, I can walk to the grocery store and get stuff, I go to the library a few times a week, and lots of other stuff.

I love my new life. It’s a lot better then the group home. I am happier, more independent, and I have my own life!!

I have to thank everyone at shared support for everything they have helped me with. My friends/staff at shared support are very caring, supportive, and loving. You guys are the coolest! You deserve bunches of hugs!!!