For more than 10 years, Jenny experienced anxiety, stress and sadness because she couldn’t hear properly. With a pre-teen daughter at home, Jenny desperately wanted to be able to communicate with her without feeling as if she wanted to cry from frustration. Over the years, this led to Jenny’s daughter resenting her.
While Jenny wore hearing aids, they weren’t the correct ones. As a client with Toward Maximum Independence (TMI), a nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Jenny’s Independent Living Case Manager Keltoum Cherki knew that she must step in to assist her.
With funds from the TMI Julie Casey Honorary Fund, Keltoum took Jenny to Costco for a free hearing test and to purchase new hearing aids.
“It was like a miracle. For the first time in my 10 years of working with Jenny, I saw her face light up with a nice happy smile,” said Keltoum. “I was tearful with joy. Being able to change someone’s life the way TMI has changed Jenny’s life is not a given. I greatly appreciate those who donate to the TMI Julie Casey Honorary Fund. It truly impacts the lives of our clients.”
Keltoum contacted Jenny’s sister and family members to let them know the good news. The entire family felt that it would be life changing for Jenny and it was.
For the first time, Jenny could hear the noises around her and listen to music in her car, but most importantly she could hear her daughter. Their relationship has transformed for the better.
Jenny now hopes to meet her significant other.
“My hope for Jenny is that she finds someone that respects her, loves her and treats her well,” added Keltoum. “She deserves it!”
We hope so too! We are very happy for you, Jenny!
(Thank you to Keltoum Cherki for contributing to this story and for being a wonderful TMI Case Manager.)
Please consider making a donation to the TMI Julie Casey Honorary Fund to help us continue to directly assist our clients like Jenny. We thank you in advance!
The TMI Independent Living program assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible at home with the necessary support. The program provides up to 80 hours a month of one-on-one support to adults with disabilities living in their own home. Services are focused on skill development and can include, but are not limited to:
· Money management
· Meal planning and preparation
· Shopping and accessing community resources
· Safety, health and household management
· Parenting education
· Budgeting, bill paying, financial management
· Community orientation, access and participation
· Accessing community resources
· Self-advocacy
· Social skills, relationship building
Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) has been transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1981 and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing since 2000. In 2020, we launched Disabled Veteran Employment Services. TMI strives to help our clients to realize their hopes and dreams by providing Employment Solutions, Community Living and Family Support Services throughout San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties. To stay connected with us, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Together we can share acceptance and awareness, ultimately contributing to further inclusion.