It was exciting to find out I was getting my own apartment. It happened this summer. I never thought I’d have been able to live by myself. It’s really exciting to be living on my own. I like being by myself.
I have this opportunity thanks to the new L’Arche Connects program. I have support hours from L’Arche to help with meal planning, making a budget and grocery list. For supper I like having chicken and salad, but my favourite supper is steak. It’s a treat.
It feels good to be able to do what I want. If I want to sleep in on the weekends, I can! But I really like not having to share a bathroom.
I also got a job! This is my second job ever. It’s one-on-one care for people with non-verbal disabilities. Sometimes I help feed people and interact with them. It’s a program with Key Industries that started as volunteering and turned into a paying job.
It feels exciting to get a paycheque. I’m saving to go to Paris someday. It’s been a dream to go since I was little, since I was eight.
At the end of the day, it feels good to come home. I got a fish. Her name is Luna, she's a half-moon beta. I feed her twice a day.
I also made a new friend who lives nearby. When she went into the hospital, she asked me to look after her cat, Nicko.
I go see Nicko twice a day. I make sure she has food and fresh water, and make sure the litter box is cleaned. We snuggle, and I give her pets. When you’re not feeling good, Nicko knows, and she comes to cuddle you more.
Living independently makes me feel happy. I have freedom. I’ve been able to make more friends. It feels like a community.
Thank you for supporting L’Arche Saint John. Your donations help me and my friends get the support we need and can help others find independence too!
Yours,
April
L'Arche Connects Member
P.S. You can donate online at this link.