For many years, Matthew Brown dreamed of having a place to call his own; a home where he could make his own choices, build his independence, and live life on his terms.
A few years ago, Matthew was living in a long-term care home alongside seniors and other individuals with disabilities.
Our province has the second highest rate of disability in the country – at 35.3% – and approximately 22,000 of New Brunswickers have an intellectual or developmental disability.
It may be surprising to learn that of those 22,000, many under the age of 65 are living in long-term care facilities across our province. These are not seniors; they are working-age adults.
For Matthew, he knew he wanted a different future, but he wasn’t sure where to begin or how to make that dream a reality.
That changed when Matthew connected with Inclusion NB.
Through his work with Inclusion NB’s team in the Bathurst region, Matthew found support, encouragement, and people who believed in his goals. With the help of Inclusion NB, and his Social Worker, Jessica Austin, Matthew began taking steps toward the independent life he envisioned.
One of Matthew’s biggest goals was finding his own apartment. Reaching that milestone required planning, advocacy, and several important steps. With support, Matthew applied for a rent subsidy through NB Housing, helping make independent living possible.
At the same time, Matthew worked toward another important goal: employment. Nancy Nolet, who was an Employment Counsellor at the time, supported him in preparing his resume and getting ready for job interviews. When Matthew applied for a position at Giant Tiger, he got the job.
“I’m really proud of Matthew,” says Nancy, “I had the joy of helping him land his first job when I was an employment counsellor and now, I continue to work with him, as a Social Inclusion Coordinator.”
Today, Matthew is a valued employee who enjoys his work and the relationships he has built with his coworkers.
Living independently has also meant learning new skills and building confidence. With ongoing support, Matthew continues to develop skills related to cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, and budgeting, that help him maintain his home and achieve his goals.
Earlier in May this year, Matthew had the opportunity to share his story at an inclusion workshop event organized by the local chapter of the Bathurst Association for Community Living, a partner of Inclusion NB’s. The event brought together community members to discuss inclusion and celebrate progress happening in the region.
Standing in front of attendees, Matthew reflected on his journey and the impact that having the right supports made in his life.
He shared the following:
“Hello everyone, my name is Matthew Brown. For many years I lived in special care homes with seniors and other persons with a disability. I had a dream to live in my own place but I didn’t know where to start. I knew I wanted to live an independent life and be in charge of my own life but I felt stuck.
Then 3 years ago I met Cameron from Inclusion New Brunswick and finally had someone who was on my side, working with me. Things started to change.
Inclusion NB helped me learn a lot of things so I could take care of myself on my own. It was hard work and I had to learn how to solve problems on my own and figure out what I needed help with.
One of the big things I wanted was to find an apartment but there were a lot of steps to take before that could happen. Cameron helped me to apply for a rent subsidy through NB Housing so I could afford an apartment.
At the same time I was doing those things, Nancy, another worker at Inclusion New Brunswick was helping me get a part-time job. I had to make extra money so I could afford to pay my rent and all my living expenses. She helped me to put my resume together and to prepare for a job interview at the Giant Tiger.
When I applied for the job, I got it right away!! I started off stocking shelves, often working in the grocery aisle or in the warehouse. I love working there. The staff is good to me, I have a good boss.
I finally moved into my own apartment about one year ago. It’s a nice place not too far away from my work. It’s a lot of work taking care of everything so I have someone who is helping me figure out how to do all the things that need to be done like cleaning, cooking, laundry, getting groceries and following a budget.
Living on my own makes a big difference. I don’t have anybody next to me saying, ‘You can’t do this, you can’t do that, you can’t go out unless you ask.’
The help received from Cameron and Nancy changed my life. If I didn’t have their help, I would still be stuck. I am blessed that I have them on my side helping me. They are even helping me with plans for the future for me and my girlfriend. I am very lucky.
“This event was an emotional and very important day for him; he is a real source of inspiration for many who aspire to acquire more autonomy and power over their own life” says Nancy.
Today, Matthew continues to look toward the future. He is working, living in his own apartment, building relationships, and making plans for the next chapter of his life.
One of his goals is to continue to grow his relational and financial skills while his girlfriend, Jessica Laplante, is developing her own skills for independent living. Their hope is to live together as a fully independent couple. Nancy, in collaboration with their support workers and their Social Worker, works as a team to support their journey.