Jarred
Jarred was one of the first graduates of the KnowBarriers Life Coaching program. His goals were to become more independent, return to leisure activities and obtain an adapted vehicle and be driving independently.
Now, Jarred can be seen surfing on the They Will Surf Again website and Safesuit music video! What makes this especially remarkable is that this is how Jarred sustained his C6 spinal cord injury. He has moved out on his own, requires no attendant care, drives an adapted Honda Element. He has traveled back to Reno, NV to snow and water ski; and as far away as Costa Rica looking for the perfect wave! “With Bobbi Jean’s help I established what my goals were, and how to break them down to make them more achievable. Having a schedule for phone appointments helped keep me focused and motivated to attack my goals head on.”
Eddie
Eddie was our first traumatic brain injury survivor to graduate from the Life Coaching program; with flying colors I might add!
He has achieved all three of his goals: attending adult school in preparation for passing the GED exam, becoming more social with his peers and improving his fitness. Eddie has excelled in his adult education program; to include being appointed the student representative. He has developed new friendships with peers at school and re-established old friendships in his neighborhood. Lastly, he can be found hitting the weights at least three days a week at a local gym. He has completed his orientation and will soon be “paying it forward” by mentoring in Rancho vocational services. “The life coaching program has made me believe in myself, which is why I am more involved in school, and my community.”
Jay
Jay had goals to return to the entertainment business, live as independently as possible and eventually become “comfortable in his own skin” to start a relationship.
Jay is now doing stand up comedy (from his wheelchair!) 3-4 nights a week. He was named “Hotest New LA Comedian in 2007”, has produced and starred in 3 theatre productions and can be seen performing in LA hotspots like “The IceHouse” and “The Improv”. Through his own fundraising efforts Jay has purchased a van and is completing driver’s training. He will tell you his greatest accomplishment this year was engaging to his girl friend, down on one knee in a swimming pool. She said Yes!
Erik
Erik injured over 5 years ago recently joined our life coaching program. Erik has not let his C3/4 spinal cord injury keep him from moving forward with his life.
His goals are to finish his degree at CSUN and develop a Violence Prevention program for schools in the San Fernando Valley. Erik has already accomplished a great deal. He is a Violence Prevention Specialist and is the co-author of a book based on his own life experiences, entitled “PayBack, The Cost of Being A Gangster”.
Esi
Esi graduated from the KnowBarriers Life Coaching program after meeting his goals of driving independently and returning to school full time.
He continues to focus on his. Within 2 months of starting the Life Coaching program Esi had completed the RLANRC driver training program, purchased a Volvo which he adapted with the proper equipment and was able to transfer in and out of the car independently, as well as, load his wheelchair. He is working towards a goal of transferring to USC as a full time business student. He has increased strength and return in his lower extremities; participating in a relay team for the Los Angeles Marathon in both 2007 and 2008. “The confidence and strength that KnowBarriers has built inside me, has helped me to get back to my life.”
Ignacio
Ignacio is by far one of the most inspiring people we have had the privilege of working with. Injured at the young age of 20 from a gunshot wound, Ignacio has lived in a skilled nursing home since his discharge from Rancho.
His goals in the KnowBarriers Life Coaching program were to meet more people his age, be more independent in his environment and obtain his GED. Ignacio obtained funding to purchase recommended assistive technology to access the computer from the Rancho Los Amigos Foundation. He found a GED program and has been attending for 18 months. Ignacio wakes up 5 days a week, at approximately 6am in order for the nurses to get him ready for his 8am pick up. He spends all day at school, asking classmates to assist him with drinking water, taking his medication or grabbing a bite to eat. He returns to the facility at approximately 8:30pm.
This past year Ignacio began traveling to see his family in San Diego. This is a “first”, since his injury eight years ago. Ignacio demonstrates better than any of our mentors how to direct his care and carry on an active, productive and social life despite living in a skilled nursing facility.
Antonio
Antonio’s goals were to return to work as a Harley Davidson technician, learn to drive with hand controls and eventually return to school.
Antonio began repairing motorcycles for some of his previous clients and decided that focusing on going to college was more important. Antonio’s KnowBarriers attitude has allowed him to feel comfortable in his own skin and within one year he has ventured into attending Cerritos College, driving a new car, and dating.
Christina
Christina began working with KnowBarriers to achieve her goals of returning to full time employment in the field of education, moving from a senior living facility to an apartment and driving independently.
She is completing her driver’s training program at Rancho, she is working full time and actively looking for an apartment near her new job. She has also returned to her leisure interest of traveling; Seattle and London to name a few of her recent destinations. She has graciously provided free tutoring to a few life coaching clients preparing to take their GED exam and is beginning to work as a KnowBarriers Peer Mentor. "As I am surrounded less by the supports of the Rancho community, having a life coach who is an educated disabled professional to counsel me through this transition is extremely valuable.”
Maggie
Maggie has a C4 spinal cord injury and was one of our first Life Coaching graduates.
Her goals included becoming a more involved parent to her son and finding a healthier living environment. Maggie found the courage, and with the help of KnowBarriers, the resources to move out on her own; and for the first time in her life, she is the sole care provider for her son. Today she and her son live in an apartment with her care providers right next door. She enjoys her role as a full time Mom and can be found chatting on the internet every day.