By Ann Ghianni, Program Manager, New Horizons

"I AM FREE! I AM FREE!"
There have never been three more beautiful words in the life of 59-year-old Maurice Sanders.

Born with mental retardation and cerebral palsy, Maurice has lived in institutions and group homes over half his life. Although he doesn't want to, Maurice has to use a wheelchair most of the time he is not at home.

He has been trapped in a body that did not allow him freedom to do what he wanted or to go where he wanted to go. (And this man does love to go!)

While living in those other homes (or "jails" as Maurice says), not only did his body not give him "freedom," his living situation did not allow for much "freedom" either. Living with seven men (not family) did not allow for many choices. This may be right for some people, but not for Maurice.

Knowing Maurice for the last couple of years, I do not believe he made the "choice" of living in group homes. It was probably made for him because there were no other options for residential placement except group homes or developmental centers.

Moving Out

Now and for the past 14 months, just about every time I see Maurice, he has a smile on his face and says, "I am so happy." He says these words because he is living in a supported living home with a paid companion.

With the "downsizing" of Clover Bottom and other developmental centers, Maurice had the opportunity to move to a house with only two other men, one of which was their companion, David.

After finding just the right house, signing a lease and acquiring the furnishings, they moved.

Since then Maurice and David have moved to a smaller home. Their former roommate is being served by another agency and Maurice requested that he and David not have another roommate. David is good to Maurice and he wants everyone to know.

The first words Maurice said to me when I saw him after the original move was "I am free, I have been let out of jail." He also told me on numerous occasions, "If I knew I had to go back to a group home, I would jump in a river and drown!" I have taken that statement literally.

There was a time last year when it would have been "convenient" for Maurice to stay at the group home for a few days. I was adamant that this was not to be. Whatever convenience there might have been short term, it would have been more detrimental in the long run. We worked it out where he could stay in his home.

On The Go

It would take over a page to name what he has done since his move, so I will name just a few. He has been to the Grand Old Opry, Opryland, a local college basketball game, a Brave's game in Atlanta, Bowling Green, KY and out to eat at least once a week. He takes turns choosing where they eat.

One of the highlights was a trip to the Bluegrass Festival in Adams. He goes to the library regularly and visits friends more often.

Maurice loves grocery shopping. He used to shop every other week. Now he goes at least once a week or as often as needed. He also has more choice in what he wants for meals.

Wants his G.E.D.

One of Maurice's personal goals is to get his G.E.D. Once a week he takes a class through Metro's Adult Education program. He is using a computer in class and doing well. It may take a few years, but I believe Maurice will attain this dream. When he graduates, there will be many friends and family to see him receive his diploma.

Maurice is quite independent. He wants to do all he can for himself. Although he has to have help with meal preparation, transportation and laundry, he can do most everything else himself. He even took his turn mowing the lawn last summer.

He can call his mother any time because her number is programmed in the phone. Best of all, there is no time limit for him to use the phone like when you share with many others.

I am sure that there are other successes with Supported Living; but I am honored to be able to present Maurice Sanders' story to the list.