Family wherever you find it: Rose, Ann and Margo

Family is wherever you find it. For Family Model Provider Rose, and individuals Ann and Margo, they have found it right where they are.  

“We all have a past,” Rose shared, “but it is important to think about the future.” Originally from South Africa, Rose came to the US in 2001. She has supported individuals with disabilities for most of her career, and has a heart for showering those she supports with love and kindness. Rose has experienced her own share of heartache and loss throughout her life, including the loss of her daughter, but her resiliency and outward focus on those around her has carried her through some of the most challenging times. “Progress has been my family, and Progress blessed me with Ann and Margo.” 

The trio are nearly inseparable, and when Ann and Margo are not working, you’ll find them doting on Rose’s grandchildren, venturing into the community together, or just connecting about the goings on of the day. 

Ann and Margo both work at the local Kroger, and began working there two years ago as a way to make money and further connect with the community. Although Ann and Margo work at the same store andlive together, they are very different individuals who have found not only common ground but longtime friendship. The two resided together in a previous residential home, and when a new housing opportunity arose, it was important for them to stay together. 

They both love their jobs, and each brought different strengths and work experience to Kroger. Ann was previously employed at a state park in a job that she loved. She enjoys interacting and talking with people, and working in a fast-paced grocery store was a natural fit for her strengths. Ann loves spending money on her nails, she loves people, and when talking about work she shared that it’s important to “try to be happy where you are.” 

While Ann brought substantial experience to the job at Kroger, Margo was entirely new to work. Margo could hardly contain her excitement at starting her very first job. A job coach helped her navigate the ins and outs of work for the first time, and she learned a range of new skills that she can now perform with confidence, such as bagging groceries at the checkout. She shared, “Having a paycheck is excellent. I never had one before!” 

Family Model Provider Rose has been an integral part of supporting Ann and Margo in their journey through work. They have had conversations about how to handle difficulties on the job, such as when a customer is not nice. Rose teaches them acceptance and how to keep their heads held high when facing adversity. 

The trio is always busy. Whether it’s walking together, shopping, going out to restaurants or church, dancing or traveling, they are happy. “They are part of me,” Rose shared, “They accept me. We are all the same. We share, we talk, we love being together.” 

Rose, Margo and Ann are a great example of the impact a Family Model home can have on everyone involved. Family is a vital part of finding enjoyment and getting through life, and for Rose, Margo and Ann, they have found it in each other. 

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