For Carla Fireman, living in a Mainstay supportive home has provided a launching pad for her to live on her own. Carla, who is 46 years old and has low cognitive ability, was living independently — in her own apartment — before the Covid-19 pandemic, but had to move back to her parents’ home because she had been laid off from her job. With the world now reopened, Carla is ready to be part of it.
Greater Boston Supportive Housing for All
Mainstay Supportive Housing is a non-profit organization that provides supportive housing services and affordable housing services in Massachusetts. Mainstay helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with other vulnerable populations. Their supportive housing programs have helped hundreds of people live productive and stable lives in their own communities throughout the Greater Boston area every day for nearly 50 years.
A New Home in Newton
Carla moved into the Mainstay home on Chase St. in Newton Center two years ago. Carla’s mother said knowing that her daughter has access to staff members who can provide support, plus a group of adults with whom she can socialize and do activities, has provided great peace of mind. “She gets some sense of independence, and I can feel she is safe,” she said, adding Carla appreciates the sense of community, the weekly meetings and the housing support service’s events that include residents and caregivers.
Mapping Out an Independent Future with Mainstay
Carla works at the Marshalls in Needham, one or two days a week. She says she is looking to work more hours and is also seeking out volunteer opportunities. Among the other services it provides, Mainstay’s supportive housing team in Boston helped connect Carla with the MBTA’s The RIDE for transportation to and from work.
In the near future, Carla and her family will begin mapping out her next chapter, where she can use the skills and the confidence she honed in her Mainstay supportive living home and transition into an independent living situation, where she feels comfortable and her family feels she is able to thrive.
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Mainstay offers supportive housing in Norwood, Newton, and Malden. Learn more at mainstayliving.org/supportive-housing/.
