Susan first connected with ERI in the early 2000s for occasional benefits counseling following a manic episode that led her to receive disability support. While she occasionally accessed services over the years, it was in 2022-2023 that Susan began working more intensively with ERI. This renewed partnership has helped Susan create a stable, fulfilling life that balances work, financial independence, and her own mental well-being.
Starting with Clear Goals
When Susan enrolled in the Community Care Services (CCS) program around 2019-2020, she approached her situation with clarity. "The CCS program is goal-centered on what you'd like to accomplish living with a disability and still have a full life," Susan explains. This framework set the stage for her more recent work with ERI.
Her primary goals were straightforward but vital: find suitable employment after losing income when an individual she had been caregiving for moved to assisted living, and gain better control of her finances. Through CCS, Susan was referred to Jessica at ERI for more involved support.
Finding Meaningful Work That Fits
With Jessica's guidance, Susan explored various employment options. She initially considered starting her own cleaning business before deciding to work with established organizations. Today, Susan maintains multiple sources of income: a position as a custodian at Wilmar Neighborhood Center, a caregiving role with Community Living Alliance, and seasonal gardening work for a local business.
What makes these positions particularly suitable is how they align with Susan's skills and personal circumstances. Her custodial work at Wilmar connects her to the social work skills she studied for, even if in a different capacity. "I'm not doing the social work that I went to school for... but I'm a part of that whole picture. I feel like I fit," Susan shares.
Creating Financial Security Through Careful Planning
Beyond employment, Jessica worked with Susan on creating and maintaining a detailed budget. "We put a budget together. A very comprehensive, detailed budget. All of what I spend money on, and what money comes into me," Susan explains. This financial clarity helped Susan understand why her earlier attempt at retirement wasn't sustainable, leading to more realistic planning.
The results speak for themselves. Today, Susan proudly states, "I am very blessed and very happy to be where I'm at right now economically. I'm bringing in a comfortable income between these couple of jobs."
A Supportive Partnership During Life Transitions
Perhaps most importantly, ERI provided Susan with emotional support during challenging transitions. When describing her work with Jessica, Susan emphasizes, "She was in my corner... just there as a good support person versus trying to do this stuff all on your own."
This support proved particularly valuable as Susan navigated the various transitions in her employment journey, helping her build confidence and stability.
Honoring Both Challenges and Capabilities
Susan lives with several mental health diagnoses, including major depression, generalized anxiety, and PTSD. While these conditions present challenges, the support she has received has helped her build a sustainable lifestyle that accommodates her needs while allowing her to contribute meaningfully to her community.
Today, Susan continues to balance her SSDI benefits with multiple part-time jobs, creating financial stability while maintaining manageable work schedules. Her experience demonstrates how personalized support services can help individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence and quality of life.
Through Susan's journey, we see the profound impact that ERI's personalized, empathetic, and persistent support services can have. By offering both practical assistance and emotional support, ERI helps individuals like Susan create balanced, sustainable lives that honor both their challenges and their capabilities. Susan's story exemplifies ERI's commitment to long-term client success, ensuring that people with disabilities can achieve greater independence and build fulfilling lives in their communities.
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