Videos about... stories in community

stories from neighbours inc.

We have been working for people, one person at a time, since 1995. It is an honor to participate in making a difference. We have learned so much from walking with people as they create the life, and the support,  that works for them,  finding their people,  place , and purpose in the communities where they choose to live.

what's important

Tyrone shares his wisdom about what is really important. He has been a compassionate teacher for all who have come to know him.

riding life

Brad is a man of vision. He has always known what he wants to see in his life, and with his passion and commitment, moves people to follow his lead. 

building a circle

Jason's capacity to connect with people has  made it possible to draw people together, forming a small community of people who are committed to making sure that Jason has a good life.

beyond neighbours inc.

We have been fortunate to support the development of people's stories, and the organizations that support them, in other places. These videos capture some of these developments

"I'm going home!"

Sherry Durant speaks about the long and winding journey of her life, from living with  her family, to a variety of residential places, before she finally gets to live where she has always wanted, her very own place to call home. With the support of friends, her church community, and the agency that provides her support, Sherry moves out of a large group setting into her own home.

listening to people

Bojana Rozman PhD shares the journey of the Association for Promoting Inclusion and the people they work for as they have established community based support services for people leaving institutions in Croatia.

life's a journey

Independent Facilitation involves supporting people with disabilities, and those who love them, in building and sustaining desirable futures. It requires a focus on listening and discovering; gathering a supportive network; connecting to people, places, and activities in the community; and accessing and managing resources that can support life in the community as citizen, worker, volunteer, neighbour, and friend.  Windsor Essex Brokerage for Personal Supports has been engaged in "the work of independent facilitation" for 16 years.

​karried away dreaming

When she was 16 years old, Karrie Brown dreamed of being a model for her favorite clothing company, Wet Seal. Her mom, Sue, listened to her and took simple steps in the direction of Karrie's dream.

lester's home

Lester is supported by his loving family and The Arc of Northern Chesapeake Region in Aberdeen, Maryland, as they listened to Lester's dream and began planning to make this possible. Through the collaboration of Lester's support circle of family and friends, The Arc, and Harford County Habitat for Humanity, and Lester's commitment and "sweat equity", his dream became reality.

"a life that's mine"

Tiffany is a young woman who lived in a "nursing" group home, and desired to direct her own life, live in her own home, stay connected to "her people", and work...living life as most other young adults do. The Arc of Howard County partnered with Tiffany and her family, to transform their supports to make this possible.

gathering a circle

In Maryland, the State Developmental Disabilities Administration collaborated with service provider agencies to explore how the system of support available to individuals and their families, could become Person Directed. Each agency involved engaged a small number of individuals and their families in exploring what it would mean to follow their visions and the direction that they would choose to go. Melvin, his family and the staff of Abilities Network began the process of gathering a circle of support.

Job Path, NYC ...

relationships that work

Job Path is a dynamic Supported Employment agency in New York City. People at JobPath  got  to know some of the great folks who run small neighborhood businesses in Brooklyn. These business hold a vision that goes beyond services and products they sell. They hold a vision that includes connection and contribution to neighborhoods where they are located. JobPath has introduced these businesses to workers that strive to bring value and make a contribution. 
​In collaboration with Beth Mount, we created a series of videos that capture the value of getting to know small business owners and managers in Brooklyn, who hold a vision of their business that sees the value of the contributions made by the people JobPath works for.

rita at tiny cup

Job Path connected Rita to work at Tiny Cup in Brooklyn NY. Tiny Cup Owner, Daisha, shares some of the value of having Rita's contribution.

juan at treats truck

Kim Ima, Owner of The Treats Truck, speaks of the value that Juan brings to her business, her staff, and the customers from the community.

keith and jon at book court

Chad Bunning, Book Court's General Manager, speaks of the mutual benefit that has come from the relationships that work with Keith and Jonathan.