Success Stories

Rondell, a joyful 51-year-old, has paraplegia and has lived in the Wilmington area for most of his life. Rondell resided in various facilities since he was thirty years old. Initially he spent an average of one year at each facility but found his long-term support at Kissito Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, staying there for 16 years.

During his time at Kissito, Rondell attended James Sprunt Community College and received his associate degree in applied science and information technology. Following his associate degree Rondell attended Fayetteville Technical Community College online and became certified as a freight broker. In late 2023, Rondell fulfilled his desire to move out into his own place.

Rondell has been a wheelchair user for many years and at times found it difficult to live in places that were not accessible to his needs. While family was present and supportive, their housing also did not provide the accessibility Rondell needed to thrive as a person living with paraplegia.

While at Kissito, Rondell learned about Money Follows the Person and applied. He found the process challenging but said, “That push [to apply to MFP] really helped me along when I got discouraged.”

Rondell’s transition from care facility to his own home took between 4-5 years and was slowed down by Covid. But “it brought out the best in me,” Rondell says, and he has now settled into his own apartment near his former care facility. He still has a number of friends at Kissito and plans to tell them about the Money Follow the Person program.

Since moving into his home, Rondell has begun cooking again, something he missed while living in a care facility. His apartment is accessible and with the help of a daily aide, Rondell is settling in to his new home quite well. He has the support of his Transition Coordinator, family, aide, and the property manager of his apartment, and Rondell is excited to live in such a nice home.

“I am happy. It’s all about ambition and perseverance.”