Hart was born with a severe congenital disability and faced adversity from the very beginning. His mother, Criss, dedicated her life to his well-being, tirelessly navigating a path filled with therapy, care and financial sacrifices. In the midst of their hardships, a beacon of hope emerged when Hart joined Quest Village.
Quest Village is an innovative apartment community for independent adults with developmental disabilities. It offers residents convenient access to healthcare, employment, entertainment, transportation and education.
Finding Autonomy and Community at Quest Village
The comprehensive support provided by Quest Village facilitated Hart’s transition, similar to that of a young adult heading to college. He immediately started acquiring essential life skills through the program to embrace a newfound sense of autonomy.
“I learned skills from the staff. They taught me how to do housekeeping and cook food. I am pleased because I’m very good at doing these things on my own,” Hart says.
Most importantly, he found genuine camaraderie for the first time. Hart gets excited about the community events at Quest Village, such as movie nights, birthday celebrations and game days. His mother was overwhelmed with joy to witness her son form genuine connections. She saw Hart exude pride as he started to understand his goals and accomplish them one day at a time.
“For the first time, I was able to step back. I didn’t even know what that felt like in my dreams,” says Criss.
Hart’s Successful Transition to Employment
Ready for his next accomplishment, Hart started meeting with a job coach from Quest’s Employment Services to assess his skill level and interests. From interview preparation to on-site job training, they worked together to secure him a job at Universal. Eventually, he transitioned to his current role at SeaWorld, which provides him with financial independence and boosts his confidence and sense of purpose.
“My life has changed. I have my job and bus transportation to safely take me to work and back home,” Hart says.
Independent Living at its Best
The impact of Quest Village extends beyond Hart. After 25 years of unwavering dedication to Hart’s care, Quest Village allowed Criss to envision a life beyond caregiving.
“I have joy. My son has joy. It doesn’t get any better than that,” Criss says. “I also want to thank John Gill and his wife for providing the means for us and all the people that donate here. I assure you the money is well deserved and well spent.”
Hart’s journey at Quest Village is a shining example of the transformative power of unwavering support, comprehensive programs and the profound impact of community. To learn more about how Quest Village champions independent living, visit Quest Village – Quest, Inc. (questinc.org).
