Move-In Day: A Step Toward Independence

 The kitchen counter is stacked with cans of tuna fish, soup, whole wheat pasta, brown rice and other healthy foods. People pass by, dragging in suitcases and trash bags stuffed with clothing, along with boxes of CDs and DVDs. Others carry out empty cartons for recycling.  They are the residents at YAI’s new East 52^nd Street group home in Brooklyn, and it is move-in day.

Amid the flurry of activity, Paula Gibly, Residential Senior Coordinator, explains how cooking will be handled to the new residents, who are moving from their parents’ homes.

“This week, life will be like living at home with your families,” she says. “We’ll cook for you this week, but starting next week, you guys will be cooking.”

For the six residents, this is a major step toward independence.

Move-in day at the home, which has been more than a decade in the making, resembles a scene from a college freshman dormitory at back-to-school time. On the first floor, where three residents will have 24/7 staff supervision, parents help their children, all young adults, set up their rooms. They arrange family photos, favorite posters, books, towels and toiletries. 

Upstairs, where three residents who require less staff support are moving into a supported living unit, Gregory is settling into his room, while his brothers set up with the Internet hookup.

“I’m excited for him; he’s going to be more independent,” said Robert, one of Gregory’s brothers. “It’s a great atmosphere here and he’s with his friends.”

A bit later, Jeffrey, on the first floor, is showing off his Brett Favre New York Jets jersey, his enthusiasm unhindered by the New York Giants’ Super Bowl victory parade that ended only a few hours earlier. Jeffrey’s brother, Matthew, arrives and proceeds upstairs to help Gregory’s brothers with the Internet hookup.

Members of YAI’s maintenance team put up a shelf for a television in Nicole’s room on the first floor, as she takes a break from unpacking with a snack.

“I’m excited,” says Nicole, as her mother Arelis helps unpack clothing in her bedroom. “I’m happy that I’m with my friends.”

Friendship is the foundation of the home. The new residents and their families have known each other for years. Long ago, the parents imagined a home where their then-young children could later live together in Brooklyn, not far from their families.

“This has been a long time coming,” says Angelo, Nicole’s father. “Nicole is our last baby in the house. We want for her what we gave our other children – a place where she can grow.”

The reality of their children leaving home clearly hits the parents as they chat in the living room.

“It’s the beginning of a new chapter in Jeffrey’s life and ours,” says Jeffery’s father, Barry. “It’s exciting and scary at the same time.”

“Whether we like it or not, we’re not going to be here forever,” says Marion, Jeffrey’s mother. “He’ll have the life we always wanted him to have.”

Meanwhile, Jeffrey tells a visitor, “I love this place. I love my room. I love my friends and I love my family.”