For people living independently, wellness involves more than managing a household. It includes understanding emotions, building healthy relationships, making informed decisions, advocating for personal needs, and developing the confidence to navigate life's challenges.
For Angela Marshall, Director of Supported Independent Living (SIL), those skills are essential to long-term success.
"For many years, I would hear, 'Well, they're in supported living, so they should be able to manage their own mental health,'" Marshall said. "But that's not always true. Independence doesn't mean someone stops needing support."
Marshall saw firsthand how emotional health could impact daily decision-making, relationships, employment, and personal goals. While support staff regularly receive training on behavioral health topics, she recognized an opportunity to ensure the people receiving services had access to those same tools.
"We're always equipping the staff with new ways to help people cope, but we're not necessarily equipping the people we support," Marshall explained.
That realization helped inspire KenCrest's Happy Healthy Life program, a series designed to help participants better understand their mental and physical health, manage stress, strengthen relationships, advocate for themselves, and live more independently.
Chris's Journey
One of this year's graduates was Chris, who has been part of KenCrest's Supported Independent Living program for nearly 29 years.
Today, Chris lives independently in his own apartment, works at Giant, and was recently recognized as Employee of the Month. This August also marked his seventeenth year with the company.
His workdays are busy, whether he's scanning items, organizing baskets, stocking weekly circulars, or helping maintain the store. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time in the community, visiting the YMCA, going to the mall, stopping by the arcade, and sharing meals at favorite restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory.
Living independently was always a goal.
"I wanted to be on my own," Chris said.
After transitioning from living with his mother, Chris first lived with a roommate before eventually moving into a place of his own, where he has now lived independently for nearly two decades with support from KenCrest.
When the opportunity to participate in Happy Healthy Life came along, Chris decided to give it a try. By the time he graduated from the program, Chris said he was glad he joined.
"I learned a lot. The lessons about addiction, mental health, and managing emotions helped me the most."
The program also connected him with peers who were navigating similar experiences, creating opportunities to learn from one another and build new friendships.
Learning Skills for Everyday Life
The most recent Happy Healthy Life cohort explored a variety of topics that support both emotional wellness and independent living, including:
- Understanding My Diagnosis
- Safety in the Home and Community
- Medication Management
- Building Healthy Relationships
- Knowing My Rights
- Nutrition and Exercise
- Managing Stress and Emotions
- Self-Advocacy and Communication
- Accessing Medical Care
- Emergency Preparedness
Throughout the sessions, participants discussed real-life experiences, shared strategies, and practiced skills they could use in their daily lives.
Whether advocating during a medical appointment, communicating a need to a support team member, managing stress, or making healthy lifestyle choices, the program emphasizes practical tools that participants can apply long after the classes end.
For Chris, those lessons tie directly to goals he continues to work toward, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing his cholesterol. More importantly, the program reinforced the idea that independence includes caring for both physical and emotional well-being.
This year, six participants completed the program and celebrated their graduation together.
The most recent cohort was facilitated by Georgie, who will retire this week after helping guide participants through the program.
Reflecting on the graduates' accomplishments, she reminded them that their success belongs to them.
"You've done the work; I've only facilitated the conversations. We have a community right here. You get to decide to be happy."
She also acknowledged the commitment participants demonstrated throughout the program.
"We are so proud of your consistency of showing up, and the community you've built and the friendships."
Those connections are a key part of Happy Healthy Life. While participants gain valuable knowledge and skills, they also build relationships, share experiences, and create a supportive community that extends beyond the classroom.
Looking Ahead
Happy Healthy Life's success continues to create opportunities for new learning experiences.
This fall, KenCrest will launch a new educational series, facilitated by Cassandra, focused on relationships and sexuality. The program will provide participants with information and tools to better understand healthy relationships, personal boundaries, self-advocacy, and decision-making.
For Marshall, programs like these reflect KenCrest's commitment to supporting the whole person
"It's okay not to feel okay," Marshall said. "This work can be uncomfortable, but it's important."
She believes emotional wellness should be included in conversations about independence because people deserve the knowledge and confidence to make choices about every aspect of their lives
"The Happy Healthy Life program reflects KenCrest's commitment to being truly person-centered. It gives people the tools to take an active role in their own lives and work toward what a meaningful life looks like for them."
For Chris and his fellow graduates, Happy Healthy Life was another step in that journey. Through learning, self-reflection, and community, participants gained skills to keep pursuing their goals, strengthen relationships, and build lives filled with confidence, connection, and possibility.
Ready to build the skills for a more independent and confident future?
KenCrest's Supported Independent Living program helps adults develop the tools, connections, and support they need to thrive at home, in the workplace, and throughout their communities.
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