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t 31 years old, Caroline is living a full, active life shaped by choice, connection, and purpose. The youngest of three siblings, with family spread between New York City and Florida, Caroline has built a life of her own in Rockville, Maryland. She lives in her own apartment using a Housing Choice Voucher and receives 24-hour support through self-direction, allowing her to live safely while fully engaging with the world around her.
Caroline is an energetic, social young woman who loves being on the go. She thrives on music, laughter, and shared experiences, whether she is heading out to festivals and museums, shopping, enjoying nature walks, or simply being surrounded by people who genuinely enjoy her company. Through adaptive technology and support from her team, Caroline communicates clearly and confidently, directing her life with intention and humor. As those closest to her often say, Caroline knows she is the boss.
Self-direction has made it possible for Caroline’s supports to be designed around who she is, not just what she needs. With a team of eight staff members, her services function much like a small business that is coordinated, intentional, and deeply person-centered. Familiar, trusted staff help Caroline navigate daily life, support her health and wellness, and ensure she is included in her community in meaningful ways. This consistency allows Caroline to flourish, explore her interests, and continue growing into herself.
A key part of Caroline’s success is thoughtful, person-centered planning. Her team uses an Essential Lifestyle Plan to guide decisions, reflect on progress, and stay grounded in what matters most to Caroline, including her preferences, routines, relationships, and long-term goals. This living document helps ensure her supports evolve as she does, providing stability today while also planning for the future. It is a reminder that self-direction is not just about meeting needs in the moment, but about building a life that can be sustained over time.
Perhaps most importantly, self-direction has given Caroline the freedom to live as a young adult, with a real schedule, real relationships, and real choices. From reviving her small business selling handmade items at fairs and festivals, to discovering new interests, to simply enjoying everyday moments filled with joy and connection, Caroline’s life reflects what is possible when services truly center on the person. Her story is a powerful reminder that self-direction is not just about supports, but about dignity, sustainability, and the right to live a life of one’s own choosing.