Eric Smith’s Story

Eric was born with cerebral palsy; however, he never lets that stand in the way of accomplishing what he wants in life.

When Eric was a junior at Four County Career Center, his SSA/Case Manager from HOPE met with him to determine his eligibility for Adult Services and discuss his future service needs. While talking to Eric, his SSA immediately felt a sense of what a neat person he is as he shared his story with her. Eric, his brother, and his mom lived in a trailer on a couple acres of land outside of Liberty Center. Sadly, his mother passed away on Christmas Eve a few years ago so Eric left the trailer and moved in with his father. His plan after graduation was to move back to the trailer. Because you see, Eric loves the country and that piece of land his mom left for him. It has everything there that makes him happy…a large out building where he can work on small engines (his passion and what he was going to Four County to learn), woods because he loves the outdoors and hunting and memories of being with his mom.

During the holiday season of 2006, a neighbor contacted HOPE Services and said that she was very concerned about Eric because he was by himself. His SSA visited him and discovered that his brother had moved out and he was living alone in the trailer with no heat—using only space heaters for warmth. His SSA obtained Supported Living funds to fill his propane tank, initiated a Medicaid application for food and health benefits, and assisted with an appeal for Social Security benefits.

Through assistance from BVR, Eric received job development and soon had a job. HOPE Services stepped in and through Supported Living dollars paid the Henry County Transportation Network to take Eric to and from work. Eric’s SSA helped him apply for a Level One Medicaid waiver that assisted with the costs of his transportation and allowed Eric to choose a residential provider to help him with banking, bill paying and grocery shopping. Currently Eric is working with the HOPE Services enclave at TMT and also fixes small engines in his pole barn, specializing in lawn mower repair. And, as a side note, Eric did get his driver’s license and owns his own small pick-up truck.