Testimonials

Stories from the lives of those affected by the support of MARF Members.

Josh's Story

Just three years ago Josh's mother passed away leaving his dad Ken as the primary caregiver. Josh's limited verbal and hygiene skills as well as his need to continually engage in sensory activities has created problems at school. Frequent interruptions at work and extra days off to care for Josh caused Ken to lose his job. The family then lost their home and began staying with friends and relatives.

Moving around was challenging for everyone, but impossible for Josh who requires a consistent routine. Recently the community provider, Life Skills, helped Josh move into his own apartment. Another young man with a developmental disability will soon join him. The staff at Life Skills is with them 24/7 providing structure, teaching daily living skills and much more. Now they will have the opportunity to find a job in the future. It's gratifying to share this story. Over the next year hundreds of people with developmental disabilities in the St. Louis area are eligible for government funding. Many of them will be served by Life Skills; however, it costs us an additional $1,000 just to transition them into their own home in the
community.

Richard's Story

In September of 2002, I was pronounced dead. I was hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk of Florissant Valley Community College. I survived, but spent the next 6 weeks in a coma with a brain injury. When I woke up, I couldn’t walk, and my memory and speech were impaired. I had also lost my job as a maintenance technician at Thunder Aviation.

I soon realized that my insurance didn’t cover much of the therapy I needed to recover. But, through Medicaid’s Comprehensive Day Brain Injury Rehab Program, I received therapy at The Center for Head Injury Services and today I work at Schnucks Market as a Deli Clerk. I live on my own, and am so thankful that despite my injury I can still be independent. However, I was one of the last recipients of this program before it was cut.

I enrolled in The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation services at The Center, where they were able to help me graduate from a wheelchair to walking independently, as well as help me identify new job goals. I was also able to rebuild my endurance and memory, and prepare for return to work. If I had not received this funding to cover my rehabilitation therapy, I would be unemployed, living with my mother, and dependant on state resources.

I have a great job with insurance benefits because I was able to receive these services. I recently purchased a home, got my driver’s license and bought a great car. I look forward to the next accomplishment in my life. I am thankful to The Center for Head Injury Services for everything they have done, and bake them cakes every time I get the chance.