Thanks to support from Pine Tree Society, the past six months have been a whirlwind for the Gray family.

In that time, Kristi Savage, Ashley’s case manager at Pine Tree Society, has seen dramatic changes in the 18-year-old.

“Ashley started out very quiet and unsure,” said Savage.  “Now she can look you in the eye. She has become a very confident young lady who directs her own life with family support. Case managers don’t take away who a person is, but help participants maximize their strengths and access available resources.”

Ashley, a charismatic young woman, was born with developmental and physical disabilities. A wheelchair is her only mode of mobility.

For years, the Gray family struggled with everyday routines, such as getting Ashley ready for school, getting her in and out of the house and even going to the grocery store.  The Grays never realized there was outside support available, including a case manager, financial support for necessary adaptations to their house, in-home support and transportation needs.  Ashley’s mother, Tina, felt it was her obligation as a devoted mother to support, care for and help Ashley in every way possible. Her only outside support came from Ashley’s grandparents and other members of the family.

When Ashley was younger, friends of the family built a wheelchair ramp that allowed her to get in and out of the house. As Ashley grew, unfortunately, the ramp didn't. Its awkward angle made it virtually impossible for Ashley to get in and out of the house. 

Narrow doorframes inside the house also posed challenges for Ashley.  Most notably, her wheelchair wouldn't fit through the doorways to the bathroom and her bedroom,  making it impossible for her to get into and out of those rooms by herself.

On several occasions, Tina sought estimates for the adaptations. But as a single mother of two, Tina's finances were tight, so there was no money for the much-needed improvements.

Then the Grays learned about Pine Tree Society.  They contacted Pine Tree Society’s Case Management Services and Savage, without hesitation took the time to listen to their story and begin work to identify solutions.

For the first time in years, the family saw a silver lining. Changes began to take place almost immediately, allowing Ashley to realize – for the first time in her life – that she could be more independent, and she focused on achieving that goal.

Savage contacted Alpha One, a center for independent living, which provided Ashley with assistance. Through in-home support, Alpha One helped her get ready in the morning. The organization also provided her with transportation to work, which allowed Ashley to work more hours at her part-time job. In addition, Savage was able to secure funding for the much-needed adaptations to the Gray's home. These developments allowed Tina, for the first time, to step back from providing Ashley with around-the-clock care.

Savage also connected Ashley with a day program for adults with disabilities that met her unique needs.. There she learns and practices life skills, and socializes with peers. Perhaps most importantly, the program has helped Ashley achieve independence.

With many necessary steps still to take, Ashley is preparing for adulthood. She and her mother take comfort in knowing Ashley has a support system in place to ease her transition into full independence.

“Ashley enjoys her new support program, and it allows her to become part of the community,” said Savage.  “Prior to the program, Ashley’s days were spent at home, usually by herself. Ashley can now be part of the day-to-day planning of her own life, which is a natural part of growing into an adult.”