Annual Report 2025: Beth's Story

When Beth became an APSI client, she was navigating life with diabetes, a history of trauma, and a fierce desire for independence that sometimes clashed with the reality of what she needed to stay safe. Her journey with APSI has been one of learning to balance her determination to do things herself with accepting support when she needs it most.

According to her former PSR Brad, who has known Beth for nearly 15 years, Beth has come a long way. "Even a few months ago, you didn't even want me coming to visit you," Brad reminded her during a recent visit. The transformation speaks to Beth's growing trust in her support system.

Beth's life nearly ended four years ago when she stopped taking her insulin for three months. Her blood sugar soared to a number so high that the monitors couldn't register it. She fell into a diabetic coma in her home, and it was her independent provider, Tammy, who found her and saved her life.

"I owe her my life," Beth said. "I thank God for that."

The experience forced Beth to confront her own role in what happened. Since then, managing her diabetes has become a priority, though it remains a daily challenge. Her staff monitor her blood sugar regularly, and she's learned to be more responsible about checking it herself.

Now living in a home with her roommate, Beth works at McDonald's, a dream come true for someone who has long wanted a job in the community. She makes burritos, does dishes, and works breakfast, lunch, and dinner shifts.

Beyond work, Beth has found creative outlets that bring her jo

y. She attends day program on Tuesdays, where she creates intricate diamond art: coasters, sun catchers, bookmarks, and elaborate pictures of her favorite things. Her detailed work takes days to complete, and staff members display the creations she has shared in their offices. She also makes her own candles and crafts bracelets, constantly creating things.

Beth carries visible reminders of what matters to her: a tattoo honoring Terry, her fiancé who passed away last year. Every Monday, without fail, Beth visits Terry's grave, placing items on it and keeping it maintained. "I'm the one that takes care of it," she said.

Family remains important despite the distance. Beth's mom, brother, and grandmother live in Florida. She talks to them regularly and also stays in touch with her best friend Jessica when they are able to connect.

Through APSI, Beth has learned to reach out when she needs help making decisions. Her support team at APSI includes Kati, Kristi, John, and Brad, people she knows she can call when she's uncertain or when she's made what she calls "a really dumb decision." Recently, she made a mistake involving old friends that led to problems, and she systematically called everyone on her support team for guidance. The experience taught her something important. "I don't make the same mistake twice," she said firmly.

Beth has found stability she didn't have before but still dreams of greater independence. "I want to live on my own," she said. Until then, Beth is working toward smaller, more manageable goals. She wants to manage her own medications, a skill she already employs at her McDonald's job, and she's interested in attending Project STIR, a program that helps individuals with developmental disabilities develop their advocacy skills.

One of Beth's greatest strengths emerges in crisis situations. When her roommate fell and broke her nose, Beth remained calm and supported her roommate, Wilma, and the staff in the home, Courtney. "I was rubbing Courtney's back and said, 'It's okay, everything's gonna be okay,'" Beth recalled. She comforted both an injured Wilma and the staff member who was overwhelmed. "I guess my instincts kicked in," she said.

For Beth, APSI provides something essential: people to call when she's not proud of a bad decision, support when she needs to think through choices, and the security of knowing she's not alone.

But with APSI’s help, Beth is learning. She's building a life that includes meaningful work, creative expression, advocacy for others, and the courage to ask for support when she needs it. "Honestly, you have grown over the years," Brad told her. "I can honestly say that."

Beth's journey isn't finished. She wants to become a better reader despite her dyslexia. She wants that independence she's been working toward. But she has learned something crucial: accepting help isn't a weakness, and having people to call when things go wrong isn't something to be ashamed of; it's something to be grateful for.