Tinnias Finds the Perfect Apartment

Martinnias “Tinnias” Hardy has long been a caring neighbor and friend to all who know him in the Lackawanna community. With the support of his employer and job coach, he has maintained employment at an area restaurant for 25 years. This year, Person Centered Services was proud to help him reach his goal of living more independently!

Care Coordinator Hillary Jelowski worked closely with Tinnias and his mother to coordinate his move into his very own apartment. Although there were challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Person Centered Services was dedicated to helping Tinnias find a place in his community that was right for him.

Hillary was able to connect Tinnias to the perfect location. She ensured that the space was funded through a rental subsidy and a transitional stipend that offered reimbursement for living essentials. She also made sure that the levels of support Tinnias needed for his health and safety were maintained. During the transition, Tinnias’s cousin played an instrumental role by keeping his apartment clean and assisting with planning and shopping.

Given the success that Tinnias has found in his life, he has secured self-directed budget authority. This will enable him to use more funds for daily living, letting him engage in community resources at his discretion and hire the support staff he needs to thrive.

Since Tinnias is hearing-impaired, the added barrier of wearing face masks during the pandemic has made it very difficult for him to communicate with those around him as he often relies on lip reading. An interdisciplinary team is assisting him with the purchase of a tablet and teaching him to use it for video chat communication. This will provide Tinnias with an effective tool that will help him stay connected with friends and family.

“Tinnias is a remarkable individual, sparking positivity and joy in his community and among those who surround him,” says Hillary Jelowski. “He has accomplished many goals this past year. As he celebrated his birthday surrounded by family, Tinnias felt a sense of security and accomplishment. He looks to his favorite team, the Buffalo Bills, as inspiration that perseverance will lead to success!”

We are honored to empower Tinnias as he pursues greater independence while remaining an integral member of his community!