Michael: Living on His Own, Close to Home
When Michael’s family first looked into residential services for him, they made it clear that living close to family was number one - after all, he’s the youngest of ten siblings. So the St. Louis Arc’s Residential Services staff worked with them to set up services near Michael’s family home and close to his place of employment. Today, Michael and a roommate share a house in one of St. Louis’ fastest growing suburbs. Though they receive 24-hour support, the two men are proud to do their own laundry, cleaning and cooking.
Michael participates in many community activities and likes sports like bowling and skiing. But he still enjoys visiting family and will often meet up with his parents on Sundays to go to mass at the church he’s attended all his life. “We were really grateful that he could be close enough to us to be able to do that,” said Michael’s mother. “Having services like those provided by the Arc allows us to still be able to enjoy Michael’s company, while having the freedom and security that comes from knowing he’ll be safe and happy.”