A Home of My Own

Mikelle is in her wheelchair smiling with three of her favorite girlfriends surrounding her with love.

A Tale of Two Celebrations: Mikelle’s Memorable Birthday Bash

A Home of My Own, Daily Life, Family, Friends, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting /

Celebrating Mikelle’s Birthday in the Shadows of Her Grandma’s Home This summer, Mikelle celebrated her birthday at the home of her brother Kasey and his wife Allison, once her beloved Grandma’s house for sixty-two years. Although it marked the second birthday without her Grandma, gathering friends in the revitalized backyard breathed new life into the celebration. […]

A Tale of Two Celebrations: Mikelle’s Memorable Birthday Bash Read More »

brown and white photo with people gathered around the kitchen table talking. Featured hands and coffee cups.

Conversations Over Coffee: Navigating a Chaotic World

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, A Home of My Own, Community, Daily Life, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting, Uncategorized /

The kitchen table in Mikelle’s cozy condo hosts countless conversations. It’s where the Shining Beautiful team gathers, supporting each other through the chaos and adventures of everyday life. Each day, the table—and sometimes the coffee table—is laden with coffee mugs, a fresh breakfast or a plate of freshly baked chocolate croissants, and the weight of

Conversations Over Coffee: Navigating a Chaotic World Read More »

Embracing the Beauty of Home Ownership Through Section 8

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, A Home of My Own, Community, Daily Life, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting /

It Starts By Listening to the Dream Mikelle Learned’s story is a testament to the transformative power of home ownership, particularly for individuals navigating life with disabilities. Despite facing challenges, Mikelle’s journey illuminates the possibilities that Section 8 assistance offers in achieving this dream. In 2004, Mikelle let her community and her family know she

Embracing the Beauty of Home Ownership Through Section 8 Read More »

a small peninsula with old Mediterranean buildings overlooking an azure colored sea

The No New Year’s Resolution Revolution: Embracing Personal Growth Without Pressure

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, A Home of My Own, Daily Life, Family, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting, Uncategorized /

When the New Year bell rang, I decided it was time for the Christmas tree to come down. For Mikelle, it was a bittersweet moment. Her month-long party had come to an end. She wore her disappointment stoically as she watched me take down the garland, the twinkling lights she loved, and finally, the treasured

The No New Year’s Resolution Revolution: Embracing Personal Growth Without Pressure Read More »

A Must Have Tool for Transition Planning

A Home of My Own, Community, Self-Determination /

It is late spring. The flowers are bursting through moist soil with daffodils and tulips, and the sweet smell of apple blossoms lingers. All across America, in high school classrooms everywhere, transition plans are in progress for teenagers with disabilities who have an IEP (Individual Education Plan). These transition plans are designed to prepare future

A Must Have Tool for Transition Planning Read More »

Our Everything, Everywhere All At Once!

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, A Home of My Own, Daily Life, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting /

Routine Life Most families have a routine. We have a daily set of rituals and activities that help us wake up, move around the house and help us run around our communities, and chat with each other over coffee. Yet, we all know that when the dishwasher does work, or the car won’t start, it

Our Everything, Everywhere All At Once! Read More »

Let’s Celebrate!

A Home of My Own, Community, Daily Life, Family, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting, Uncategorized /

One Christmas in Color, two-holiday parties, three great presents, four fun team members, and five golden smiles made this holiday season bright. Strung together like a strand of lights on the Christmas tree, this season’s events were brilliant and beautiful. Our hearts are full of love for our friends and family. Perhaps our appreciation is

Let’s Celebrate! Read More »