Kwame and Kojo are thriving with support from Boone County Family Resources (BCFR). Through various BCFR services, their family has accessed resources to help the brothers reach personal goals, connect with the community and build independence.

Kojo is a senior at Battle High School and recently landed a part-time job at Wendy’s. In 2023, Kojo joined BCFR’s work crew to gain experience. The community employment team assisted Kojo in creating a resume, job searching and preparing for interviews. After Kojo began working, the family was grateful to BCFR for providing instructional cue cards to help him learn tasks. As he grew more confident his supports were reduced encouraging his independence.

Kwame also benefits from BCFR’s support. Support Coordinator Tory Sights has worked with the family for over seven years, helping connect them with essential services. When the family sought a day program for Kwame, Tory guide them through tours to find the best fit.

“Wherever we went, Tory had a diagram or table of information and pros and cons to make our big decision easier,” said their dad, Charles.

Tory helped arrange services through a waiver for Kwame including transportation, ABA therapy and a personal assistant whose tasks include taking him on outings and helping him develop life skills at home.

BCFR has supported both brothers in their transition from high school to adulthood. Tory played a key role in guiding the family through Medicaid applications, connecting them with Life & Work Connections and ensuring they had the right resources. Tory ensures the brothers are thriving in the community by linking them to services such as therapeutic horseback riding, Wonderland Camp and Special Olympics.

“There has been times we have talked about leaving the Columbia area completely and the thing that really keeps us here is things like BCFR, where you have this great support system,” shared Charles.