Miriam-Webster defines self-determination as “the freedom to make your own choices.” At Boone County Family Resources, we would say that Robert is the epitome of a self-determined individual.

When Robert first started receiving services with Boone County Family Resources, he lived with his family and relied on them for things like financial management, transportation and social interactions. Through the Partnership for Hope Waiver granted in 2010, Robert was able to gain access to additional services and supports to help him expand his world and give him the choices that he wanted. He began vocational training through the Life & Work Connections work crew and began therapeutic riding. Robert also started life skills training through Life & Work Connections to prepare for independent living.

Flash forward a couple of years and Robert is managing the majority of his finances independently, driving his truck to a part-time job as a production technician at J2 Scientific and living with a roommate in an apartment in the community.

“With a combination of agency services and great natural supports, we have all seen Robert really grow over the last few years,” says Kristyn Schnakenberg, Robert’s Support Coordinator. “He is now living independently, working in the community, and overall has become a more confident individual.”

This kind, hard-working, helpful guy enjoys watching wrestling, working on his truck, horseback riding at Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center, spending time with his family and bowling with Special Olympics – just to name a few of his current interests. And that list is expanding. Since March of 2013, Robert has been working with a personal assistant from Bridges of Missouri to get out more in the community.

From his enthusiastic smile to his passion for his hobbies, it is safe to say that Robert seems happy with being in charge of his life and is looking forward to what the new year brings.