Client Stories

Ed
Side By Side is a supportive agency that helps people find jobs, places to live, and helps people cope with day to day living. I started with Side By Side over a year ago and since then there have been many positive changes in my life. Some of these changes include helping me to find and keep a job, take my medication, and organize my finances. Helping me to open a checking account was a real step in the right direction. I see somebody everyday and they help with picking me up from work, helping me clean my place, going to the supermarket, even teaching me how to cook. I think Side By Side stands for self-supportive living and helps people maintain a clean, healthy, productive lifestyle.

Current Client
Side By Side has helped me to be able to do budgeting and pay my own bills. Before Side By Side was involved I struggled with my bills, but the staff have taught me how to understand my budget and how I spend my money. I am also part of Side By Side's exercise program and I have lost over 20 pounds!

Brad
I'm learning how to cook and I cook with Kim once a week on Thursday nights. We go out to eat once a month for dinner and I really enjoy it. I've lost a lot of weight - 37 pounds. I watch what I eat, and Kim helps to develop a plan.

Before I knew Keith, I did not manage my finances. Now, I am in control of my finances. I pay my own bills, balance my checkbook and manage my budget. Keith helped me get my current job which I've had for almost five years. At work I've sometimes needed a job coach, but not at the job I have now.

I never thought I would ever learn how to use a computer. I have computer lessons with Nanci every week. I've learned how to use the internet, send emails, and add sites to my favorites list. I'm happy that I know how to use a computer so that I can email friends and my family.

I am very lucky to have a lot of friends and I always have plans on the weekends. It's nice to have friends.

My life is much better since I met Side By Side. I feel like I am living a very happy life and I feel very mature. I'm happy to know the people at Side By Side and be with them and know that I can talk to them when I want to talk. They are very nice people. They're considerate, thoughtful, nice, honest, sincere, dedicated, warm, genuine, caring.

Carla
Prior to working with Keith and the staff I was in and out of the hospital. I have not been in the hospital for over eighteen months. My work with Keith and his team included establishing goals and taking small daily steps toward reaching those goals.