When we think about independence, we often imagine big milestones, like moving into your own place, starting a job, or reaching a long-term goal. However, independence begins with the decisions we all make every day. At KenCrest, it's understood that choices like what to wear, how to spend an afternoon, and who to live with are the building blocks of autonomy, confidence, and dignity. These might seem simple at a glance, what to wear, how to spend your afternoon, who to live with, yet those choices are the building blocks of autonomy, confidence, and dignity.
There’s an underlying tension in support work between efficiency and empowerment. Schedules and routines help keep communities running smoothly, but when decisions are made for someone instead of with them, it can unintentionally take away an important sense of control. When small choices disappear, so does a piece of a person’s voice.
At KenCrest, we’ve seen how honoring choice, even in those everyday moments, makes a real difference. Take the example of how people supported through KenCrest’s Supported Independent Living program gain greater control over their lives, choosing where to live, how to structure their day, and how to meet personal goals. Through this model, people practice decision-making in real life and experience genuine independence.
Choice doesn’t just show up in housing. But in how people engage with the world around them. Programs like KenCrest’s Enabling Technology help individuals use tools that expand their options, devices that assist with daily tasks, communication, or even job skills. One individual used an Echo Dot to guide them through showering independently; another learned to navigate work using an app that created navigation tasks just for them. These tools don’t remove autonomy; they enhance it.
Independence is deeply personal. For one person, choosing what to wear might be a joyful expression of identity. For another, deciding where to spend their free time might be a first step toward building friendships or exploring new interests. When people are supported in making these decisions, their confidence grows as they learn to trust themselves, even when outcomes aren’t perfect.
Sometimes, choice looks like taking an uncertain step. Sometimes it looks like advocating for yourself. One individual advocated for themselves to live in their own apartment, the place they chose, in the community they wanted. This wasn’t an easy path, but through persistence and self-advocacy, that person found a home that felt right.
These small choices matter because they are expressions of who we are. They shape relationships, routines, and a sense of belonging. They also remind the people we support—and all of us—that independence is not a destination, but a daily practice. Whether people are supported through community engagement programs, independent living services, or assistive technology, KenCrest’s mission is the same: to hold space for people to make choices that reflect their values and dreams.
So, the next time you find yourself choosing between two outfits, two plans, or two ideas, remember: those decisions matter. They are part of what makes you who you are. And they are part of what helps the people we support live lives filled with meaning, dignity, and possibility.
Small choices create big change. When we honor everyday decisions, we help people move closer to the lives they envision for themselves. If you believe in the power of choice, we invite you to be part of that impact by learning more about how KenCrest’s programs support independence and dignity and by helping expand those opportunities through your generosity.
