Employment Services Community Supports Supported Living Service Coordination Special Projects Life Coaching Supported Living Job Path helps people find affordable housing; then we put in place whatever services they need to establish and maintain their own homes. Targeted to people with severe disabilities who need around-the-clock assistance, this program is also available to people who require less intensive help. Meet Manny Manny's story is representative of how Supported Living works. Before Manny came to Job Path, he was bussed daily to a day treatment program and had little involvement in community activities. His mother was moving out of the country, and he needed a place to live. We connected him to another Job Path participant who had an apartment in Queens and needed a roommate. Manny was employed at a fast-food restaurant during the day and, at night, made friends at the local pool hall. After a while he was interested in being closer to Harlem where his sister lived. So we helped him find an apartment in Manhattan with another roommate. Just like most people, Manny had dreams of the future he wanted. After a short period, Manny, who can now travel the city by himself, missed his pool hall buddies and "subwayed" back to Queens for visits. Then he informed us that he was "tired of this roommate business." So Job Path helped Manny move into his own one-bedroom apartment in Queens, and he was reunited with his friends. Manny is now on his own, and Job Path staff help him manage his money, furnish his apartment, and make sure all safety features are in place. He will continue to get ongoing support from Job Path staff tailored to his specific needs. His vision for his future includes a job in a neighborhood Spanish restaurant. And we hope he will continue to dream. A Home of One's Own Job Path helps people rent apartments through the regular real estate market. Each person signs a lease and has the same rights as other New York City tenants. Job Path people live among, not apart from, their neighbors. Right from the beginning, Job Path encourages family, friends and neighbors to get involved to ensure that the person's choices are honored. Along with Job Path, the person's support circle considers where he or she wants to live, what type of housing they prefer, the kind of services they need, and whether or not to look for a roommate -- all in the context of their budget, including government benefits and rent subsidies. Once a space is found, housing specialists set up the supports people need to establish their homes. Supported Living is not independent living. Job Path believes that a person does not need to "get ready" for supported living. Instead, our job is to help people arrange whatever level of assistance they need to live safely, comfortably and happily in their own homes. Careful attention is paid to the day-to-day details of each person's life. Needs vary, but many people need help with personal care. Most require assistance preparing shopping lists and meals, going to the store, cleaning, doing laundry, managing on a fixed income, and paying bills. Eligibility New York City residents who are at least 18 years old with a documented developmental disability, such as mental retardation, epilepsy, autism, cerebral palsy or a traumatic brain injury incurred before age 22, and who are eligible for Medicaid can apply. Job Path particularly encourages applications from special education students. © 2008 JobPath, All rights reserved.   powered by metarhythm