When Mian Jing Zheng boarded a plane to Utah for his sister’s wedding, it was for more than just a trip. It marked a significant milestone, reflecting years of hard work, personal growth and comprehensive support from his team at Citizen Advocates.
Behind his success was a dedicated group of professionals from Citizen Advocates’ Behavioral Health, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Community Living and Career Visions Employment Services teams. Together, they worked toward a single goal: empowering Mr. Zheng to live independently.
“I’d never made a trip like this before, but I wanted to be there for my sister,” Mr. Zheng said. “Family is important to me.”
Planning for a Milestone
Preparing for this journey required months of careful planning, building on years of effort by both Mr. Zheng and his team.
“When we first started working together, Jing wanted to focus on becoming independent in budgeting, cooking and physical fitness,” said Kelly Langdon, an occupational therapist at Citizen Advocates. “It wasn’t just about individual therapies; it was about equipping him to manage all aspects of daily life.”
Ms. Langdon noted that Mr. Zheng’s confidence grew over time, enabling him to tackle new goals and see the bigger picture beyond daily tasks. He started by managing a monthly grocery budget and gradually took responsibility for all his expenses. Physical therapy helped him build the stamina to walk longer distances, an essential skill for his daily routines and the journey to Utah.
“Jing is one of the most hardworking people I’ve ever met,” said Shane Cassidy, the program manager of Mr. Zheng’s residence. “I can’t take credit for his success. He did all the budgeting and planning so he could celebrate this moment with his sister.”
A Whole-Person Approach
Mr. Zheng’s story reflects Citizen Advocates’ whole-person care model. Each team member played a role, ensuring he had the skills and confidence needed to navigate independent living.
“Jing’s journey highlights the collaborative care Citizen Advocates provides to help clients take charge of their goals and achieve meaningful independence,” said Jennifer Rowledge-DiTullio, Associate Vice President of Operations at Citizen Advocates. “With more than 100 programs, we offer the support clients need to reach milestones like Jing’s, with pride and confidence.”
Employment has also been a cornerstone of Mr. Zheng’s progress. His job as a direct support assistant at one of Citizen Advocates’ Community Living residences gives him a sense of purpose, complements his daily living skills and strengthens his path toward financial independence.
“They’re not trying to change who I am,” Mr. Zheng said of his support team. “They’re helping me become a better version of myself.”
A Path to Possibilities
Mr. Zheng’s journey from Malone to Utah showcases the transformative power of comprehensive support and a dedicated team. With the right tools and guidance, he turned a long-held dream into reality, finding connection and pride in his progress along the way.
“I was a bit nervous because I had to take two planes,” Mr. Zheng said, reflecting on his trip. “The first flight was a very small plane, so it was a little bumpy.”
Despite the challenges, the experience was unforgettable.
“The high elevation made things a little different [than New York], but the mountains were cool to look at,” he said. “It was very surreal and emotional to be there. I was very happy for my sister.”
Now, with his sister’s wedding behind him, Mr. Zheng is already planning his next adventure: traveling to New York City to meet his grandmother in person for the first time.
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