We became acquainted with Leonard after he had been forced, due to medical issues, to resign from a full time job he had held for many years and enjoyed immensely.
He had also been living independently in a family owned home, within walking distance to almost anywhere he needed to go. Due to unexplained circumstances this home
had to be sold and Leonard had little choice but to live with family members in the south suburbs. His new home had very little public transportation available and
almost nothing within a reasonable walking distance.
Although Leonard had secured a part time job at Cub Foods before his entrance into Trinity’s Supported Employment Program, he barely made enough money to pay for the taxi
that was generally his only option for transportation. These changes created a loss of his precious independence and were adversely affecting Leonard’s peace of mind.
After a few months of searching for the perfect job match for Leonard, it was finally found at Home Depot with a caring, compassionate Human Resource Manager. Leonard
was making more money per hour and working more hours. He was saving as much as he could in hopes of once again becoming independent. He desperately wanted his own
apartment, so his job coaches worked with him during his lunch hour on budgeting skills and small ways to save money. For example, he began purchasing his lunch at
the discount store in the same plaza as Home Depot rather than the fast food places that are abundant in that area. Leonard came up with his own idea, too.
He began walking to work, and although Home Depot is closer to his home than Cub Foods, it is still a significant distance to walk.
Leonard’s job coach knew he had always wanted a new bicycle to replace the one that had been taken from him some time earlier, however he had been unable to afford
one until now. His coach suggested that this may be the perfect way to get to and from work without an on- going expense. Leonard agreed and purchased a brand new
bicycle. He didn’t buy just any bicycle, but the SUV of bicycles! Leonard’s new wheels were a 5 speed mountain bike, complete with off road wheels, luggage rack,
bottle holder and, of course, lights for nights when he works late. Leonard, being the safety conscious guy that it takes to work at Home Depot, also purchased a helmet.
Leonard is now able to save a little more money and travel time, not to mention he has a very cool bike. Although his case is a successful closure in terms of state
definition, our success is in the knowledge that in some small way we have helped him come one step closer to achieving his ultimate goal, which is so precious to
him and all of us, independence.