The Support Team Behind Benji and Giulietta

Behind every opportunity, achievement, and milestone in Benji and Giulietta's lives is a dedicated team of support staff who work alongside them every day. Through consistent 1:1 support and the stability of a live-in caregiver, these relationships help create the foundation for growth, participation, independence, and meaningful experiences across all areas of life.

Through self-directed funding, both Benji and Giulietta have been able to build individualized support teams that are designed around their unique needs, personalities, goals, and routines. Each of them has dedicated 1:1 support throughout their day, as well as the stability of a live-in caregiver who provides additional support and consistency within the home environment.

This level of individualized support allows Benji and Giulietta to receive assistance that is tailored specifically to them. Rather than rotating through multiple staff who may only know a small part of their lives, they have support workers and educators who truly understand who they are, how they communicate, what motivates them, and where they need support.

Over time, these relationships become much more than staffing arrangements. Trust develops. Staff learn to recognize subtle forms of communication, understand preferences and routines, anticipate challenges, and celebrate accomplishments that others might miss. This deeper understanding creates a stronger foundation for learning, growth, and participation across all areas of life.

The role of their support staff extends far beyond helping with daily tasks. They support Benji and Giulietta at work placements, volunteer opportunities, recreational activities, community programs, appointments, and within their home. They help build independence, encourage problem-solving, develop communication skills, support social connections, and create opportunities for meaningful participation in the community.

Having consistent 1:1 support also allows goals to be carried across environments. Skills that are being worked on at home can be practiced in the community. Strategies that are successful during recreation programs can be reinforced during work experiences. Because staff are involved across multiple areas of life, learning becomes more connected and meaningful.

Over the years, the people who work alongside Benji and Giulietta each day have become much more than support staff. They have become trusted companions, mentors, advocates, and, in many ways, part of the family. They celebrate successes, navigate challenges, and share in the everyday moments that make up life. What makes these relationships especially meaningful is the long-term commitment many team members have made to Benji and Giulietta. Several staff have been part of their lives for more than five years, while others have been with them for over a decade. This consistency has created deep relationships built on trust, understanding, and shared experiences. These connections provide the stability, sense of belonging, and personalized support that help Benji and Giulietta continue to grow, build independence, and live lives filled with purpose, connection, and possibility.

Supporting Blogs:

• My Journey as an Educator: Lindsay

• My Journey as an Educator: Myles

• My Journey as an Educator: Breanna

• My Journey as an Educator: Analyn

• My Journey as an Educator: Charm

• My Journey as an Educator: Neil