Milestones on the Path to Independence

Melissa has made healthy changes to her lifestyle by sticking to smaller food portions at home, with assistance in meal preparations from her Supported Living Services staff Alexandra Monroy.  Melissa follows portion guidelines that the size of a stomach is the same as that of a hand.

Melissa cut out chips and dip from her diet, substituting fresh spinach leaves to dip into melted cheese or ranch. It’s yummy, she says.  She also drinks less soda and more water without calories or sweeteners.

Exercise had not previously been part of her lifestyle, so staff helped her get into a regular exercise routine. She likes to walk by doing something fun such as window shopping at the mall or taking pictures around the parks and museum. In addition, she enjoys playing badminton, tennis, swimming and dancing.

Melisa is still working to lose a little more weight. She is already feeling better about herself, her clothes and overall well-being. Melissa learned that keeping busy with activities keeps her mind off of snacking between meals. Melissa has become a great success story and role model!

Coming from group homes and living with parents, Kevin and Linda aspired to live on their own. They joined Greater Opportunities’ Cortez Apartments Semi-Independent Living Program and attended daily on-site classes including Cooking, Nutrition, Anger Management, Budgeting, Sexuality, Community Integration, and Health and Safety. They began dating in November 2005, fell in love, and moved from separate units to a unit of their own.

In November 2013 they made the big move to the brand-new Monterey Villa Apartments.

Staff worked collaboratively at Greater Opportunities, San Andreas Regional Center, Eden Housing, and Housing Choices Coalition to achieve this wonderful independent living opportunity.

Continued support from Independent Living Services staff at Greater Opportunities will help them accomplish new goals. Currently, they are planning their wedding ceremony in the courtyard of the new complex.

We congratulate Kevin and Linda on their successful graduation from the Cortez program and their exciting journey into independent living!