Success Stories

Mike is a 50 year old single man who has lived most of his life in a full support setting.   Mike was quite dependent on others when he came to Community Living Kirkland Lake.  He had very few personal belongings and was having issues with the medication he was on, causing him to be quite lethargic.  He was very quiet and kept to himself and seemed to have no confidence in himself. 

Mike was assessed and it was felt that he could not, at that time, be alone for long periods of time and required a great deal of support to meet his needs.  With the involvement of Cochrane Temiskaming Resource Centre and the Supported Independent Living Program (SIL) he was set up in his own apartment with 24 hour support.  His medication was adjusted and he received start up dollars to help furnish his new place. 

 Today, I met with Mike in his home and I must say, he is very proud of his apartment and his darling kitty Daisy.   I was very impressed with the cleanliness of his home and how well he cared for and loved his pet.  He sat very proud wearing a shirt and tie and told me about his past experiences.   He certainly is a very strong and kind man.  Even after all he has been through, his experiences make you look into yourself and wonder why we are constantly complaining about nothing at all, when he can do so much.  He has come a very long way and is proud of his achievements, which he should be.

 Mike had expressed that he would like to work.   He attained a part time position with KL 4 Seasons Yard Care in the summer of 2009.   He is now one of the part owners and operators in this very successful business.  He is very proud and is an asset to the team of owners. 

Mike has become familiar with the community and accesses services independently.  He has developed a network of friends on his own.  He joined the swim club and has made many good connections, which has built his confidence and self esteem.  Mike enjoys going for coffee with friends and socializing on his own in the community.  This is a large leap considering he could not go out on his own when he first joined SIL, less than two years ago. 

Mike has settled well into his new life, with new friends and amazing support staff.  Another of his triumphs is that he has managed to quit smoking on his own.   He has experienced a great amount of grief in a short amount of time, because of losing family members that were ill.   This makes him very sad.  He speaks proudly of and respects his family and considers them the most important part of his life.  

  We are very proud of you Mike. 

SIL Staff and Michelle