Neil has had the goal of moving into his own apartment for as long as he can remember.
He was living 45 minutes from the community where he worked – managing the woodshop at Penny Lane Enterprises – and found it isolating. Neil wanted to live closer to where he worked and where he could enjoy spending time in his community with access to more transportation options.
Queens Association for Supported Living (QASL) supported Neil and his family to navigate applying for funding through the Disability Support Program (DSP). QASL has not supported someone in the Independent Living Supports Program in over 10 years, but the agency pulled together to make this happen for Neil. They advocated strongly through the DSP approval process and gathered donations to help furnish his new apartment. Neil and his family were also strong advocates, choosing the apartment he wanted to ensure it met all his needs and his desire to be in the heart of town.
On May 1st, 2025, Neil moved into his own apartment. Now living in downtown Liverpool, he is not limited by transportation, which is often such a barrier in rural areas, and can access the community quite easily and independently.
He walks to The Social Scene (Penny Lane’s recreation site) where he participates in activities and events, he has regular transportation to Penny Lane Enterprises where he has paid employment twice a week, and he is able to volunteer at the Liverpool Fire Hall and the Food Bank.
Neil has long been passionate about giving back to his community, and now this is easier for him to do. With such a centrally located home, and the autonomy that comes with living in his own apartment, Neil is also excited to plan new activities and make new connections.
Neil says that although he was nervous, he is very happy to finally be living on his own, in his own apartment.
Congratulations Neil!!