Bobbie’s Way, Inc. (East)

            Bobbie is my 30-year-old daughter. I knew that I wanted to get her out of the group home. I heard about the Microboard and spent about 6 months researching everything that we could. We delayed making a decision, because we were afraid of the cost. Then we decided to give it a try.

            We called Ruthie and she sent us the papers to get started. It took us about a year to get everything going.  Bobbie now lives in her own apartment.  She has her own full-time staff. She loves it. She has liked the idea of hiring and firing her own staff. We have had to help her to understand that there is a certain way you must treat your staff, so they won’t just up and quit.

             She is learning to shop for herself. She volunteers at the local ARC. She plays BINGO. She is trying out different pets; she has never been able to do anything like that before. She’s had an iguana, frogs, cat, dog, and right now we have fish and birds. She wants to get a bigger fish tank.

            Bobbie used to have tantrums on a weekly basis. But now she is happier than I have ever seen her. She hasn’t had one since we got the Microboard started. We have had are Microboard for almost two years. It has been difficult at times. But, believe me, it has been well worth it to see Bobbie so happy.

            Getting staff has never been a problem. I think the word about Microboards is getting out. When we place and ad, we are overwhelmed with responses. People know that working for a Microboard is much better than working for a different type of agency.

            The difference it has made in my daughter’s life has made all of the challenges worthwhile. I would recommend a Microboard for everyone. We are strong advocates for the Microboard.

                                                                              -Evelyn Smith

Updated March, 2008:

Bobbi's PATH has led us along a triumphant path.  Bobbi's Way began officially back in 2003.  Bobbi's Way Board of Directors (Bobbi Jo is a very integral part of that part of our organization) drew her PATH with the help of Ruthie in the fall of 2002.  Bobbi now has a very nice apartment which she helped select.  We are searching for a house with a fenced in back yard so she can spread out a little.

Bobbi has a more stable staff which she helped select and who care for her. 

She has found an area of expertise that she excels in.  She is very good in the craft area and is now earning some money that is "just hers" and is very proud of herself (very important).  We, with her input, are discussing forming a small company to retail her craft items but that will take some time and probably a little financial assistance.

She would still be in a group home with practically no self respect and very few individual rights.  Her PATH gave us a direction, let us know what she wanted, and has helped keep us on the move towards the future SHE wants.  We just celebrated our 5th anniversary and the PATH was the best thing we have ever attempted.  God Bless Ruthie for helping us.