For over 15 years, Dan Stanford and Christopher Hildebrand have been friends. Now, as roommates in a Raleigh apartment, they enjoy living independently with the support of Monarch’s services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Living Independently with Support Services
Dan, 49, and Christopher, 44, are living on their own terms with the help of their families, friends and Monarch’s community support team. They moved into a comfortable Raleigh apartment in October 2024, where they receive personalized assistance that allows them to live independently.
Monarch’s Community Solutions Team ensures that the men receive the health and safety monitoring and supervision they need, while still enjoying their independence. Support staff provide help with daily activities, tailored to each individual’s needs.
The Benefits of Supported Living for I/DD
The move to a supported living arrangement is part of a larger shift in North Carolina, where an amendment to the Innovations Waiver in 2016 expanded services to include supported living options. This enables individuals with I/DD to live in their own homes, with the support they need, such as health care services, community specialists and a living environment that encourages independence.
For Dan and Christopher, supported living offers the freedom to make their own decisions while receiving the support necessary to meet their needs.
Finding the Right Living Situation for I/DD Needs
The Stanford and Hildebrand families researched various living options that best aligned with the men’s needs, especially regarding community support specialists trained in American Sign Language (ASL), as both Dan and Christopher are deaf. This personalized approach allowed them to transition from group residences to their own apartment, where they now thrive with Monarch’s help.
Day Programs and Social Connections in Supported Living
Stanford and Hildebrand continue to attend separate day programs throughout the week, where they engage in activities and social connections. When the workday ends, they come home to their apartment and enjoy typical roommate activities like cooking dinner, decorating for the holidays and spending quality time together.
Both families are excited to see the men’s growth in their independent living situation. “It makes me feel great to see them thrive and doing well a few short months after moving in,” says Michelle Lawrence, Community Solutions Team Leader at Monarch.
Monarch’s community specialists, including experts trained in ASL, provide essential support to help Dan and Christopher achieve their goals. The staff ensures that both men are empowered to lead fulfilling lives while maintaining their health, safety and independence.
If you or someone you know is interested in supported living options for individuals with I/DD, contact Monarch today to learn about the services we offer and how we can assist in creating a path to independent living.