Supporting Independence, Celebrating Success

Like most Bethesda programs, Texas' Home and Community-based Services (HCS) serves clients with a wide range of needs. Some clients require intensive services, such as medical and residential support, while others may only use Bethesda's services occasionally to help manage facets of their lives as they gain independence for themselves.

For Chris, an HCS client who lives in Houston, building an independent life for himself included plans for a career. In the several years that passed since he graduated from high school, he grew tired of doing janitorial work. He felt ready to accomplish something new. So, last year, Chris thought about quitting his job at Houston's new Enron Field and go to college.

"At first, I was a little shocked," says HCS Case Manager Tina Smallwood. "Everybody in Houston wanted a job at Enron Field; it's a good place to work. But, Chris wanted something different. He told me, 'don't worry, I'll go to school.' And he did."

"Tina was cool about it when I said I wanted to go to school," Chris says. "She got me over there to apply, and she helped me get registered for classes. I couldn't believe all the paperwork we had to do just to start!"

With support from Tina, Chris conquered the paperwork and admissions procedures, and enrolled in the associate's degree program at Houston Community College. Now, Chris leads the busy life of a college student. His weekdays are filled with classes and studying, and weekends are spent with friends, at dances and other social activities.

Chris is excited about the program he's chosen. "I like my classes," he says. "We've had cars come through that were crashed, and we make them look like new. It's a lot of fun. There was this one car that had been sitting there for a few years, and I asked my teacher, 'You really want that thing out of here?' He said yes, and my class fixed it. Now, my family and friends all ask me if I'll take care of their cars if they get in an accident!"

"I'm glad I went to college' It was hard to find a job that I liked," reflects Chris. "I had been telling my family that I wanted to go to school, and I knew I wanted to do something with cars. I chose this field because I feel comfortable with it, and it's fun. "

Chris has taken several tests and is currently certified to do auto-body work. He finished school on October 15, 2001.

Chris hopes to work for a car dealership. "You need to be certified to work for a dealer," says Chris. "And I have that certification. They pay well, and they're the best places to work."

Chris would also prefer a dealership for another reason: "If I get my driver's license, maybe they'll give me a discount on a car!" he says with a grin.

Chris is working with Tina and Bethesda's HCS program to receive community job supports as he looks for a job.

Tina says she enjoys working with Chris. "We work on things like budgeting his money when his financial aid check comes in, and decision-making skills. We also have fun together. He's just a nice person; anyone would enjoy talking to him."

Another Bethesda employee, Supported Living Assistant Bruce Smallwood, who is Tina's husband, also provides Chris with guidance and friendship.

"I'm glad Chris has worked with my husband as well as with me," Tina says. "They have things in common; they like the same style of clothes. And they can talk about guy stuff, like girls and dating."

"I get along good with both Tina and her husband," Chris says. "They both teach me things."

With such a promising future ahead of him, it's no wonder that Tina looks forward to seeing Chris achieve his goals. She says she'll continue to provide Chris with support and advice as he makes plans for his life.

According to Gulf Region Administrator Pete Henning, though Tina may work more directly with Chris than other Bethesda staff, we all have reason to be proud. "Chris is an example of how Bethesda can touch someone's life in the community," says Pete. "He goes to school, he learns, and we're here to help when he needs it. He's part of our Bethesda family - just very independently so. We celebrate his accomplishments because they are very much his own."

"I think it says something about Bethesda, too," Pete continues, "that there's such a wide range of people out there that we serve well. We used to serve only people who had needs that were quite intense. Now, we've become more diversified; we haven't just carved out one niche. Chris' success story is evidence of that."