Antonio

"When I left Rosewood Center, the Maryland State institution that supported and still supports many people like me, I never thought that I could live a happier life in the community than at Rosewood. This was possible with ongoing supports from CSC that helped me leave Rosewood. Currently, I live in a big detached home with two other friends who are also from Rosewood. I have a job that earns me an income and I rarely miss my work any day. I have a good bank balance that I want to spend the way I want. I want to take a vacation every year. I have lots of time for myself. I go on activities with my friends. I play pool and ping pong in the basement of my house. I cannot drive but I go to places where I want to go with my staffs that drive our van. I have no complaints; I am a cool guy. I do not want to be disturbed when I am in my room either listening to my favorite music or watching my favorite shows on my TV. What a great feeling!

I played Santa Claus a few years ago when CSC celebrated Christmas at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center in Columbia! They asked me to play Santa again last year when CSC celebrated Christmas at its new office site in Elkridge. Let Rick do it, I told the event coordinators. I helped my friends organize the 10th Anniversary celebrations of CSC at Martin's West in Baltimore. I am going to be part of CSC's grand opening of its medical adult day program in May 2007. Do not underestimate my abilities, I am a hard worker. I work 40 hours a week which many of my friends are not able to do. People say that I am a bit shy person. That's cool!

I like to move on with my life. CSC is my strong support in all walks of my life. One day, I'll drive my own car and will buy my own house when I have enough money to pay my mortgage. I'm not ready for it now. Life is altogether different for me now. I like it this way and I love my friends at CSC and at work."