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Alex Ripley: Life on my Own Terms
There comes a point in Everyone’s life, when you want to move out of your parents’ house and into your own place: A place where you will have the freedom to make your own choices, and make your own mistakes. Whether you choose to eat pizza for dinner every day, or ignore the huge pile of laundry in the corner for a few weeks, or stay up way too late watching movies – the choices are your own.
Living on your own is a rite of passage; as well as ensures that you lead a life of your own choosing – life on your terms.
Alex Ripley, a young man supported by Hope House Foundation, lives in his own apartment a stone’s throw from the beach. It is decorated in shades of blue, reflecting his love of the water, and he has photos of exotic cars hanging on the walls. He’s an outgoing guy with a ready smile and many friends; a guy who finally gets to enjoy living on his own.
Until last year, Alex, who is thirty-five years old, lived at home with his parents. His mother, Suzanne Ripley, supported Alex’s yearning for freedom and independence but faced an all too familiar scenario for thousands of Virginians each year. The waiting list to receive Medicaid Waiver services in the community, rather than in congregate settings, is more than 5,000 people and 7+ years long. When Alex finally received his Waiver slot to receive services in the community, his family was unable to find an organization in Northern Virginia, where they live, that would provide the level of independence, freedom and privacy Alex was looking for.
Suzanne said, “Alex never gave up…he’s always been outspoken on what he wants.” And what he wanted was a place of his own.
Last year, Suzanne met Hope House Foundation Team Leader, Susan Henderson at a conference in Richmond. The two immediately hit it off -- and with a follow-up tour of Hope House’s Virginia Beach location, called Lakewood, Alex had finally found the home he was looking for…his own home.
“Having the freedom to do what I want, when I want is great!” Alex shares, “I love my family but living with them is boring. I like having my own place.”
The Lakewood location is the newest Hope House property, purchased as a result of the Drive for Affordable Housing capital campaign . Thanks to the generosity of so many donors in our community, our campaign has raised over $2 million to date, allowing for the purchase of Lakewood, with a goal to raise $3 million dollars and purchase another property. Lakewood is located in the Shadlowlawn neighborhood of Virginia Beach, and has 26 apartment units; serving people we support side-by-side with other members of the community.
Alex leads a very active life in his new community. He is always on the go, spending his free time at the beach, enjoying the art shows and concerts on the board walk, beginning work with a job coach to find the perfect job, and enjoying afternoons at Mount Trashmore flying his kite with friends.
Alex is much wiser than his thirty-five years and quickly becomes philosophical when talking about his life and his freedom. “You have to be kind to yourself and do the things that make you happy.”
One of the things that Alex enjoys is gardening. Thanks to the Princess Anne Garden Club, our Lakewood location has raised garden beds so that people who use wheelchairs can easily access the garden. Last year Alex planted tomatoes and peppers; he’s already planning this year’s crop of tomatoes, peppers and herbs. He’s even contemplating planting roses along the sides of the apartment building – as he has experience tending roses at his family home.
Virginia Beach is Alex’s home now, the place where he builds his independent, meaningful and joyous new life. The place where he plans on having a barbeque with friends as soon as the weather gets nice. Grilled chicken and a salad with fresh ingredients from his garden are on the menu and freedom is in the air. As Alex puts it, “I am free to be me.”
What Freedom Means to Me
"I think this place is great, I sure do. I get to go bowling, to see movies, and go out to eat. I love living here. The staff are my friends. They are funny. They help teach me how to do my laundry by myself. They help. I got to pick a lot of cool new clothes out for school. They make sure I look good for services at church. They help me volunteer with the Red Cross. They took me fishing and to races and a hockey game. They take good care of me. I go to dances and parties. I love to go to Busch Gardens. I got to swim in a pool, Christi taught me how. I like relay for life. I love my roommate. I love playing with my friends here. We have good parties. Staffs take me to see my family. Christi does a good job in her position: I love her a lot. Kamin is my best friend. I get help paying the rent and utilities and bills." - Person supported by Hope House
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"I like the staff very much. I love living here. I love my house and my Spiderman bedroom. I like that staff help me with my computer and play Wii games and bowl and do lots of fun stuff. - Person supported by Hope House
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"Freedom means acting with no restraint, living by your own rules, and having the choices and options to do as your heart desires." - Scott Guirlinger, Ghent Bar Tours
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