A Year of Change: Lynnea’s Journey of Growth

By Katherine Ortiz, SLS Case Facilitator

This holiday season, I want to shine a spotlight on Lynnea, whose first year here at Compass is a testament to the transformative power of supported living services. Over the past year, Lynnea has excelled emotionally, physically, and socially while overcoming some major obstacles. Her journey highlights the incredible resilience and growth that can emerge when a strong support system is in place.

One of the most remarkable changes has been in her behavior. Lynnea’s severe behaviors have transformed to mild ones, thanks to the dedicated implementation of CBAM tools. Her team has worked diligently to master these methods, enabling them to support her through challenges and help her process emotions in a constructive way. Through this process, Lynnea has not only learned to compromise but has also developed a deeper sense of empathy, which is a huge milestone for her.

A significant part of her growth has been the positive impact of a well-matched roommate. Recently, Lynnea and her roommate shared with each other that they are the best roommates they’ve ever had. Together, they navigate daily life with mutual respect and a shared commitment to each other’s growth. The supportive, balanced dynamic between them has been instrumental in fostering Lynnea’s social development. Additionally, Lynnea has built a close friendship with another Compass client, with whom she regularly spends time. These relationships have had a profound effect, enhancing her quality of life and giving her a deeper sense of connection and belonging.

Another positive change we’ve witnessed is the influence of having the right staff and leadership in her home. Her LG3, Jennifer Lamar, has been pivotal in creating a stable, supportive environment, managing the home with a focus on consistency, and tackling challenges with exceptional problem-solving skills. Jennifer and the rest of the team have been instrumental in helping Lynnea achieve goals she once thought were out of reach. With the help of her staff, who accompany her to appointments (sometimes as far as San Francisco), Lynnea has made significant strides in her health. Over the past year, she has lost 40 pounds—a major achievement and a testament to her dedication and teamwork with staff on a strict meal plan that prioritizes her well-being.

Beyond her personal and health-related growth, Lynnea has also flourished creatively. She is adventurous and deeply passionate about her art, which has led her to participate in craft fairs where she proudly showcases and sells her creations. These fairs have given her a meaningful outlet for her creativity and a chance to engage with the community. Currently, she is focused on building her art business, making the most of all available resources to bring her vision to life.

Lynnea is full of life and dreams, and we are thrilled to be on this journey with her. This year has been an inspiring example of what is possible through dedication, support, and partnership, and we look forward to seeing her continue to achieve her goals in the coming year.