I grew up in Salmon Arm BC. I lived with my Dad for most of my life. When I lived with him I went to school and would go on jobs with him. I sometimes struggled with school due to my disability, but I still managed to graduate. My Dad got sick and I took care of him, the house and the animals.
When I was 20, my father passed away. I called my brothers to help me with the hard times. I decided to move to Grand Forks BC where one of my big brothers lives. I could then spend more time with him and my nieces and nephew.
They helped me find a basement apartment and got me settled in to my new place. They helped me set up the utilities and find furniture. My sister-in-law helped me get on disability and find services to help me, like Sunshine Valley Community Services.
Sunshine Valley Community Services has helped me be more independent. I first started with 1×1 and learned about my community and they helped me move into a new place when my other was sold. I then joined with some groups there and made new friends. They helped me get temporary work with catering, restaurants and landscaping. I am still trying to find what I would like to do. They help me with things I don’t understand and find a way to help me with it so I can do it on my own.
I joined special O and met more people and have been invited to join the community men’s floor hockey league. I have also joined the Grand Forks Self Advocates, and a local book club. I have a girlfriend too.
I like it here and I am glad I decided to move.
By Mike Asling
