Living with People Like Me

My name is Kirsten and I am 31 years old. I grew up in Minnesota with my parents and younger brother. When I made the decision to move out, my mom helped me get ready by teaching me how to do laundry and cook. I have lived on my own now for almost 10 years.

My first apartment was in a Section 8 building for the elderly. I was the youngest one there because I was only in my 20s. At first, living alone was hard for me. I called home crying a lot and my mom would make me feel better. It took me a couple of months to get used to it.

A place where I fit in

I heard about Fraser’s Excelsior Court apartment from some of my friends who were planning to live there. I told my social worker I wanted to live there, too. I am much happier living at Fraser. I am with people like me. I fit in.

Everyone in the apartment does things together, like a monthly potluck or going to cheer on one of the tenants at a sporting activity. I have a couple really close friends here — Lelani, Erik and Suzanne. We do many activities together. We’re all on the same athletic teams together, so Erik drives us to practices and tournaments. We participate in swimming, track and field, basketball and softball through Special Olympics, but I like basketball best. We also do a lot of activities together away from the apartment, like going to the casino or out to eat.

Living independently

I’m pretty independent. I went on vacation to visit a friend. He used to live next door to me at Excelsior Court, but moved to Florida to stay near his family. I went on the plane by myself, and his family met me at the airport. It was fun to see him again.

I’m able to manage my diabetes by myself, too. I give myself daily insulin shots, and I know what I’m supposed to eat if I start feeling funny. I’m trying to take good care of myself with my eating, and I joined a health club and am working with a personal trainer.

I work part time at a child care center. I’m a teaching assistant in the second through sixth grade classroom, but I help wherever I’m needed. I’ve worked at the same place for a long time. I like working with kids.

Living at Fraser is great. I’m involved in fun activities and I have good friends here. Best of all, I’m completely independent. I’m thankful that there’s a place called Fraser, and that there are so many opportunities for people with disabilities.