NewsroomJanelle’s Journey to Independence

Achieving Goals and Building a Future

Janelle has been a part of OCCK since 2006, starting her journey in case management shortly after graduating high school and transitioning into community living. From the beginning, she had a clear goal: to achieve independence, develop daily living skills, exit the IDD waiver, and move away from Medicaid insurance. Determined to support herself autonomously, Janelle quickly began advocating for her needs and working toward her goals.

Focusing on community employment, Janelle successfully landed one job. But one wasn’t enough to meet her aspirations, so she pursued and secured another position within the community.

Her next step in her independence journey was finding an apartment. When she discovered one that felt right, she confidently declared it the first step of her five-year plan, which included saving enough money to buy her own home. After moving in, she worked on gaining further independence by getting her driver’s license and purchasing her first car. As Janelle puts it, “It feels great to have control over when I want to go somewhere.”

Four years after settling into her apartment, Janelle found her dream home. With the help of a realtor and her bank, she made an offer and, on May 1st, officially moved in. She believes that with dedication and clear goals, anyone can achieve their dreams.

Janelle shared, “I want to thank OCCK for their unwavering support and the services I’ve received since 2006. OCCK has been instrumental in helping me reach both my short- and long-term goals. As of November 1st, I am no longer on the IDD waiver and have transitioned away from Medicaid to my own Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage. I’m proud to say that I now support myself independently. My next goal is to build a house within the next eight years. Thank you for all your support along the way.”