Landon has been through a lot so far in his life. But guess what? He doesn’t let his challenges define him. With the help of his AWARE Family Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team, Landon's life took a turn for the better, and we can’t wait to share his inspirational story with you.
Last year, Landon was welcomed into the FACT team as a 17-year-old. Life hadn't been easy for him and his mom, who were experiencing homelessness and living in a hotel at the time. But little did they know that their lives were about to change for the better.
After working with the FACT team for a few months, Landon’s potential started to shine through. AWARE Child and Family Case Manager Victoria Kuchera and AWARE Clinical Lead Kate Wandel were able to establish a trusting relationship with him in a short period of time and became determined to help him succeed. They wasted no time making sure Landon had all the support he needed for this new chapter in his life.
Victoria and Kate worked to rally a whole team of professionals around Landon. There was a therapist, case manager, healthcare provider, you name it!
Now, here's the cool part. Landon started discovering what he truly wanted for his life. He was encouraged to follow his passions and find his own path. Turns out, Landon was a big-time gamer, and he realized he could pursue that interest responsibly. He also took it upon himself to learn the local bus system, gaining independence and confidence along the way. He even thought about creating his own content on YouTube.
One of the toughest things Landon faced, however, was the fear of aging out of care. But you know what? The AWARE FACT team wasn't about to let him struggle alone. They brought together several agencies to make sure Landon had the tools and resources he needed to succeed. That support and a positive mindset helped him shift his perspective and create a new normal for himself.
Landon's determination and the unwavering support from FACT paid off big time. He started filling out job applications and received a call for an interview! It just goes to show that when you're willing to take a chance, good things can happen.
It wasn’t long before Landon and his mom found themselves on a waiting list to receive SDMI waiver services, which would provide them with even more support. The amazing team at FACT worked tirelessly to make sure everything was in place for Landon's journey.
Landon's story is truly inspiring. It shows us the power of having a support system, staying determined and working together. With FACT by his side, Landon overcame homelessness, faced the challenges of becoming an adult and discovered his passions and dreams. Sure, there were obstacles along the way, but with his team cheering him on, Landon tackled each one like a champ.
Landon's success story reminds us that we all have the strength to overcome adversity. It's a shining example of how compassion, teamwork and a belief in ourselves can lead to incredible things. And as Landon continues to grow and thrive, he knows he has a team of champions behind him, ready to support him every step of the way.
To learn more about AWARE’s FACT team please click here.
**Some names mentioned in this story have been altered to protect individual confidentiality and privacy. Any resemblance to real people is purely coincidental. While the names have been changed, the events and facts depicted in the narrative are based on true occurrences.