Claire's Story
Claire lives in Nicholasville, Kentucky, with her parents and has autism. She currently receives services through the Michelle P. Waiver while remaining on the Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver waiting list—a wait that has now lasted 15 years.
Through her current services, including Community Living Supports (CLS), behavior support, case management, and respite, Claire has become an active and valued member of her community. With the help of her support staff, she enjoys bowling, pool parties, craft shows, Lexington Parks and Recreation classes, and has built meaningful friendships that have enriched her life.
Claire is also a dedicated Special Olympics athlete, participating in softball, basketball, track and field, and Miracle League. She graduated from the SHEP Program at Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC), earning a certificate of completion, and hopes to one day work as an event planner. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked at a nursing home and hopes to return to meaningful employment in the future.
Giving back is an important part of Claire’s life. She volunteers with her family’s nonprofit, Jared’s Joy Cart, and participates in DanceBlue, supporting children with cancer at Kentucky Children’s Hospital. These causes are especially meaningful because Claire lost her brother to childhood cancer. Her compassion, resilience, and commitment to helping others continue to inspire those around her.
Despite all she has accomplished, Claire’s future remains uncertain. As her parents grow older, they worry she may never receive the Supports for Community Living Waiver before they are no longer able to care for her. Like many Kentucky families, they fear what will happen when they are gone and whether the support she needs will be there to help her remain independent and connected to her community.
For Claire, continued support services are not simply about assistance—they are about protecting the future she has worked so hard to build and ensuring she can continue living a meaningful, connected, and purposeful life.