Self-direction opens doors to active community life

For Veronica Schenk, independence means having choices, staying involved in her community and doing things she enjoys. But it doesn’t mean doing everything on her own.

Through self-directed supports, Schenk has built a team that helps her manage daily life while pursuing the activities and goals that matter most to her.

“I was living here when my dad was alive. After my dad passed, I still lived here,” she said from her sunny Cranston apartment. “[Self-directed supports] helped me hire my own staff people. It brings me out in the community, brings me to my doctor’s appointments.”

At home, Schenk begins her day with the support of staff members and her emotional support cat, Star. Her staff help with meals, transportation, appointments and other daily activities.

“They help me prep, cook my breakfast, cook me dinner, lunch,” Schenk said. “They bring me food shopping. And get Star some food.”

Kim Weeks has worked with Schenk for more than a dozen years and serves as her program coordinator and as direct support staff member.

“I met her through an agency,” Weeks said. “The first seven years, I worked with her and when she decided to go self-direct, I wanted to work with her.”

Weeks assists with daily tasks and helps coordinate Schenk’s support team.

“I come over and I assist with cleaning, cooking, making sure Star’s taken care of, making sure that she takes care of her hygiene, that she’s going out in the community. We go to doctor’s appointments, she volunteers. We go to the YMCA, the library, Roger Williams [Park],” Weeks said.

“Veronica is a very outgoing woman. She’s very funny, she’s very kind, she lights up the room when she walks into one, she’s very smart, very driven, very independent and I love working with her,” she said.
 

Weeks helps coordinate schedules and staffing needs while ensuring Schenk’s supports remain consistent.

“I work with her full time,” Weeks said. “I come in and do the same thing the DSP workers do; I just also help her coordinate the program, like with staffing. I work with her mainly Monday to Friday, sometimes on the weekends if needed.”

One aspect of self-direction Schenk values most is having a say in who supports her. Schenk credits her staff with helping her maintain independence in her own apartment and achieve her goals. 

“My staff are awesome. They’re the best. I have the best team, the best team players,” she said.

Volunteering is one of Schenk’s favorite ways to stay involved in community. Through Helping Hands at West Bay RI, she has participated in projects including decorating pumpkins for nursing home residents and helping with a fundraising car wash.

“I love helping out in the community and it’s a great fit for me,” Schenk said. “I met new people. And the people love it, and I love it.”

One project involved collecting backpacks and classroom supplies for local students.

“The first one was a school backpack [drive], picking up school supplies for the Woonsocket students,” she said. “And then after that, we dropped them off in Woonsocket and we had our picture taken.”

Weeks enjoys seeing Schenk participate in activities that many people take for granted. “Watching her just be able to do the things that we all should be able to do,” she said.

Learning, fitness and friendship

Schenk keeps a busy schedule. She enjoys spending time at library, where she studies, uses the computer and participates in classes.

“I love the Warwick Public Library. Meeting new people, going on the computer,” she said. “I read about different Harry Potter books, and I saw the movies, too.”

She and Weeks also attended healthy eating classes there. “I took a nutrition class at the library,” Schenk said. “I learned about the sugar intakes in the labels, reading the labels.”

Weeks said the classes provided valuable information and new connections. “We met some awesome ladies there at the library,” she said.

Fitness is another important part of Schenk’s life. She has participated in Special Olympics since elementary school. Over the years, she has competed in events including running, cycling, swimming, volleyball, the 200-meter walk and softball throw.

“I get to socialize with my teammates, and I get active with sports,” she said.

The YMCA is another favorite destination. “Love going to the YMCA. That’s like our home away from home,” Weeks said.

Schenk agrees. “Because I can get some exercise, I can go to the YMCA,” she said. She especially enjoys working with a personal trainer there. I really do adore him because he’s great with people, with clients with special needs.”

Schenk also enjoys spending time with family, caring for Star and visiting some of her favorite places, including the park near her home.

“I love going to Roger Williams Park,” she said. “I walk around Roger Williams Park as far as I can and I see the swans and the swan boats.”

After so much time working together, Weeks says supporting Schenk has reinforced a simple belief.

“This experience has taught me that everyone deserves the same quality of life. You treat others how you want to be treated; that’s always been my philosophy, and I’ve come to care about Veronica deeply and I want to make sure she has the best life ever. So, whatever she needs me to help her do, that’s what I’m willing to do to support her 100%.”