Empowering Independence: Courtney’s Journey with Bello Machre
Follow Courtney and her family’s journey in finding the right disability service provider. Learn how Bello Machre’s programs enriched Courtney’s life and empowered her independence.
Finding the right service provider for yourself or your loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability can be a challenging and daunting journey. Unfortunately, it’s a common experience that many individuals and families go through. Courtney and her family were no different.
Courtney’s mom, Karen, explains, “When we moved from our last home, Courtney had to leave the program that she was originally with. At the time, she was extremely sad to be leaving that program.”
It was upsetting Karen to see her daughter struggling with this major life change. She wanted to make sure that Courtney received the best services and resources available.
Transitioning to a new disability service provider
After moving to Maryland, Courtney and her family heard about Bello Machre. Karen spent time learning more about the organization and their available programs. Karen felt like she had found the right fit for Courtney. Eventually, Courtney and her family decided to give Bello Machre a try, and now, four years later, the family couldn’t be happier with their decision.
“I have certain expectations when someone is going to be caring for my daughter, but Bello Machre has met them all. Every expectation I can imagine,” Karen explains.
“We’ve watched her grow in so many different ways. We see it so clearly through her independence, trust, and her speech, because of the way that she’s treated – she’s spoken to like an adult because she IS an adult.”
At Bello Machre, Courtney is a part of the Meaningful Day and Personal Supports Services.
The impact of Bello Machre’s services
Bello Machre’s Meaningful Day Services focus on enriching lives through community activities that promote personal and/or professional growth. Personal Supports Services similarly focus on meaningful community engagement and activities but does so with the assistance of a one-on-one staff member to help the individual achieve their goals.
A major piece of Courtney’s happiness is thanks to the variety of activities she participates in through Bello Machre’s services.
“Courtney loves going fishing, boating, and canoeing. These are experiences she never had with other programs she was involved with. She especially loves going to the Rec center for dances and bingo. She looks forward to Monday through Friday more than she does the weekend,” Karen continues, “They do so many different activities. It’s the best program she’s ever been in. We’ve lived in multiple other states, so we’ve seen lots of different program and this is the best organization that she’s been a part of.”
Looking ahead: residential group home
For the future, Courtney has plans to enter Bello Machre’s Residential Services.
Karen states, “This is a very exciting time for us as Courtney will continue on her path of independence with the assistance of the staff members working at her new home. Also, she will be experiencing a new type of family dynamic while building bonds with her new housemates.”
At Bello Machre, we are so excited to make journeys like Courtney and her family’s possible. We understand how confusing and intimidating it can be trying to find the best service provider for yourself or your loved one. Contact us or call 443-702-3000 to learn more about our services, or about disability services in general. We are happy to help.