PICS Family Spotlight: Meet Misha and Rowan
At PICS (Partners in Community Supports), we love getting to know the families we work with. Our PICS Family Spotlight series offers the opportunity to learn more about an individual or family that has chosen to partner with us for their services. At PICS, we are lucky to work with amazing families every day.
This month, we are happy to introduce Misha and her daughter Rowan! Rowan receives services through Community First Services and Supports (CFSS).
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourselves.
Misha: Rowan is turning 6 in August and has been a light for our family and a huge point of learning. Rowan was born with Down syndrome and has helped us as a family learn a lot about how we can create more welcoming spaces. This past year, we were able to get some additional support through the county via a waiver, and it has already made huge changes in our world.
Q. Tell us about your journey using Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and self-direction. What motivated you to choose this approach for the care and support of your daughter?
Misha: We learned about it through a friend who also had a child with identified needs. Honestly, it has been a game changer. I won’t lie: it took a lot in the beginning to learn everything and set up. We were lucky to have an amazing family friend who serves as Rowan’s CFSS worker and takes her all over town. This summer at camp, we were asked to provide 1:1 support for our daughter to ensure her safety. Our CFSS worker made that request possible. It has also helped me to know that Rowan is safe when she is not with me, and that someone else is helping to support the goals we have for Rowan when I am not there.
Q. How have self-directed services impacted your life or the life of your loved one receiving services?
Misha: I love that it is flexible. Rowan has complex needs, and I am able to flex the hours each week (minding my budget) to make sure that we are aligned to what Rowan needs and not a document. Unlike childcare, I am also able to accommodate the needs of our CFSS worker, which allows her to feel valued.
Q. What aspects of Home and Community-Based Services do you find most empowering, and how has it improved your sense of control over care, life decisions, quality of life or independence for yourself or your loved one?
Misha: Last week, my daughter went mini golfing, to the zoo and to a jump park with her CFSS worker. It fills my heart to know that my daughter is getting into the community in ways that matter to her and are authentic to her interests.
Q. What advice would you give to others who may be considering this support option for themselves or their loved ones?
Misha: As a parent, I struggle with the amount of needs my daughter has. I felt like I was on call 24 hours a day, while working a full-time job. CFSS has allowed me time to breathe, to enjoy moments with my daughter and not feel overwhelmed that I was not doing enough. I would say that if you can, take advantage of this time. Think about the needs your child might have and find ways to have your CFSS worker support you with those needs.
Thank you, Misha and Rowan, for sharing more about your family!
Learn more about accessing self-directed services
The first step to determine eligibility for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) is to call your local county human service agency and ask for a MnCHOICES Assessment. The agency can provide you with information about the available programs, eligibility requirements and how to apply.
We have created a step-by-step checklist to help families start with HCBS services.
Share your story of using PICS services
We want to hear about your experience with PICS! If you are a PICS Participant or Representative, we invite you to share how Community First Services and Support (CFSS), Consumer Directed Community Support (CDCS), Consumer Support Grant (CSG) or Individualized Home Supports (IHS) have impacted your life. Together, we can help others learn about these incredible home-based care services and their positive effects. Share your story here!