Emma
Emma is a participant in the Transition Program and multiple other programs in Paraquad, Inc. The Transition Program played an important part in her transition into the community however, the Community Advocate group and the Women's Support group provided Emma with peer support that empowered Emma to make decisions to move out into her chosen community.
This story just occurred on January 30, 2008. She hung her first "Welcome" sign outside her south county bungalow on January 30. Emma was quite pleased when she rolled in her front door and could call her two-bedroom apartment "home". Emma had been in several nursing homes and rehab facilities for the past four years and three months which Emma said was "way too long".
Even though Emma was in the nursing home, she remained active in the community. She was a Call-a-Ride user on a daily basis. She attended bible studies at Heartland Baptist Church one day a week and while she was in the nursing home, held a bible study for the residents one day a week. Emma went to the Humane Society one day a week to volunteer as well. While she was a participant of Paraquad, she also attended the Women's Support Group and the Community Advocates meeting weekly and once per month.
Once Emma transitioned into her south county home, she chose to keep up her fast pace and continue everything she was doing with one exception. She had a bigger smile on her face. Emma is quite pleased with her transition and is looking forward to making her voice heard in the St. Louis Community.
