Vicky and Chasity originally met as students at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina through the Scholars with Diverse Abilities program (SDAP). “SDAP allows individuals with intellectual disabilities access to a two-year education,” explains Chasity. “My job as an SDAP volunteer was to encourage students’ independence. I helped them with school by attending classes with them and tutoring when needed. We would also hang out the coffee shop, play UNO, go to dinner, and bounce around downtown Boone.” The SDAP program was Chasity’s first connection to people with disabilities. “I just fell in love with the population,” she says, “the students I worked with had this incredible sincerity and optimism.”
In November 2018, Vicky and Chasity reconnected by both moving into Friendship House Fayetteville, an intentional living community that provides affordable, integrated housing for young adults with disabilities and college students and young professionals in the healthcare, allied health, and human service fields. Chasity explains that she wanted to be a part of a community that empowers people with disabilities to become independent. “The fact that Vicky has the opportunity to gain a sense of self through developing independence is such a beautiful thing, not only for her and her family, but for the Fayetteville community at large,” she said.
Vicky chimes in, “I’m very glad I’m here. I’m excited to make new friends. I feel free.”
For more information on Friendship House Fayetteville, visit www.friendshiphousefayetteville.org.
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