“We were always told, the best thing we could do for Eli is help him live on his own by 25,” confided mom Mary Ann. “So our family always had that as our goal, and it was what he wanted.” At the family home, there’s a poster with goals to achieve for independent living. “It’s a big transition. Getting services outside the home requires a lot of effort and concentration.”
When Eli began working with Jubilee in 2016, his support staff would come to the house and help Eli work on life skills to help him prepare to live on his own. Together, they practiced laundry, traveling on metro, going to the movies, the mall and to ArtStream.
With Jubilee’s support, Eli met his goal and moved to his own apartment when he was 25. Eli and his family were so proud he achieved this big goal after so much hard work. But Eli felt isolated in his first apartment. “I didn’t have friends living nearby,” said Eli. His Jubilee program manager suggested that Eli apply for an apartment at Main Street Apartments. This brand-new apartment building in Rockville was created with inclusion in mind.
“I didn’t think Eli would get into Main Street,” said Mary Ann. “They had a lot of applicants, but Jubilee encouraged us to apply.” Eli moved to a bright and spacious two-bedroom apartment in the summer of 2020. He’s looking forward to getting a roommate soon. “I have actual friends here,” Eli said with a smile. “I go to events like the Superhero Club, I eat at the café, and I go on the outdoor walks they sponsor.” Eli also works on his health goals at Main Street, working out at the on-site gym. “My son is so much happier being independent. Jubilee helped give us the confidence that Eli was ready to live on his own.”