After I retired from my full-time career, I decided to give back so that what happened to me and my son would not happen to other families. My son was approved for Social Security and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) after high school, but no one ever told me he was entitled to a DDD-sponsored budget for support. I was working full time, caring for my other children, and often traveling for work—there was no one to oversee my disabled son. For years, we went without the services that should have been available to him.
When my son was 28, I finally brought in an advocate to sit with me and his case manager. Within a week, he had a budget and moved into his own apartment with a roommate, where he could have oversight and community. There was no reason he should have had to wait that long. I was angry, but also determined.
Several years later, when DDD shifted to Fee for Service and Support Coordination evolved, I started AIM Support Services. My goal was to help other families avoid the confusion, frustration, and delays I experienced. I wanted them to know what resources were available so their loved ones could live their best lives and become as independent as possible. Within five years, we had 60 individuals on our roster.
Families face a mountain of requirements to keep benefits in place: Social Security and Medicaid redeterminations, SNAP renewals, DDD assessments, PPP evaluations, housing subsidies—all of which must be submitted on time or risk losing essential services. It can feel like another full-time job. My agency exists to help carry that burden and ensure families receive every resource they’re entitled to.
What inspires me most is seeing disabled people living the lives they deserve—safe, cared for, and able to make their own choices. Their joy gives me joy. What I get in return is deep satisfaction, knowing our team can make a difference and that families feel supported in building the lives their loved ones were meant to live.
When my son was 28, I finally brought in an advocate to sit with me and his case manager. Within a week, he had a budget and moved into his own apartment with a roommate, where he could have oversight and community. There was no reason he should have had to wait that long. I was angry, but also determined.
Several years later, when DDD shifted to Fee for Service and Support Coordination evolved, I started AIM Support Services. My goal was to help other families avoid the confusion, frustration, and delays I experienced. I wanted them to know what resources were available so their loved ones could live their best lives and become as independent as possible. Within five years, we had 60 individuals on our roster.
Families face a mountain of requirements to keep benefits in place: Social Security and Medicaid redeterminations, SNAP renewals, DDD assessments, PPP evaluations, housing subsidies—all of which must be submitted on time or risk losing essential services. It can feel like another full-time job. My agency exists to help carry that burden and ensure families receive every resource they’re entitled to.
What inspires me most is seeing disabled people living the lives they deserve—safe, cared for, and able to make their own choices. Their joy gives me joy. What I get in return is deep satisfaction, knowing our team can make a difference and that families feel supported in building the lives their loved ones were meant to live.
