CSLN - California Supported Living Network

THERE is nothing more fulfilling in a person's life, than having the freedom to live that life as they choose!

The CSLN invites you to share in some wonderful stories about individuals who's lives has changed due to the integration of supported living programs across California.

Published Works

In Charlies Shoes - By Donna Bettencourt

There's No Place Like Home: My Story of Ollie Robinson - By Tom Ruffino

It's About Charlie and ... Invited Article By Don Forrest

John Nicosia - TMI Archive Article

Journey of Life - By Kathleen Campbell

Meet My Friend, Pam - By Beth Gallagher

You've Come A Long Way. Mitch - By Rebecca Burkhardt

Amy's Story - By Nancy Bunker

New Year, New Life - By Rebecca Burkhardt

What's In A Name - By Donna Bettencourt

Cindy Allen - By Melanie Bazile

Steven's World - By Donna Bettencourt

FEATURED ARTICLE

WHAT A REMARKABLE GUY!
By Rebecca Burkhardt

Michael Colls is a remarkable man. He has overcome many obstacles in his life. Michael has been receiving Supported
Living Services through Jay Nolan Community Services for over eight years.

Over two years ago, the department received multiple special incident reports based on severe
aggression from Micheal towards community members and himself. To make matters worse, when Michael was
diagnosed with diabetes, sleep apnea and high cholesterol, his circle of support felt they would have World War III on their hands (in terms of supporting him with these critical needs)! While his support members were trying their best to give him the tools he needed, there were many
meetings set with Regioinal Center to discuss just how everyone was going to deliver the much-needed supports and, of course, everyone had their own suggestions.

After four months of trying to encourage Micheal, he began to show his support circle that if there were going to be any changes made, they would be on his own terms. Faced with his own mortality, Michael stared death in the face and decided to simply cut out regular soda and creamers to begin with and ended up losing his first twenty pounds.

Today, Michael has lost a total of sixty-seven pounds and is no longer plagued by Sleep Apnea. He is also off of his cholesterol medication and is managing his diabetes quite successfully - on his own! Recently he became interested in learning hwo to cook and prepare healthy meals. Did I metion that Micheal is also currently a student at Glendal City College where he attends piano class. Oh...and he understands five languages and is fluent in two of them!

What a transformation. Other areas of Michael’s life that have been positively effected by his new healthy lifestyle can be seen in his demeanor. In the past, Michael was very self-focused. Today, Michael looks to his support circle to assist him in finding a birthday present for his roommate and has recently expressed that he would like to assist other circles who are struggling with health issues.

Wow! Michael is a true testament how self-motivation can change one’s life in amazing ways. We are all very proud of you, Michael!