Jason's story: From overwhelmed
to empowered
Jason once believed others had to make things happen for him, but he found his own power to create change.
Meet Jason, a super sociable individual with cerebral palsy and a heart full of determination. Jason’s story is one of resilience, growth, and newfound independence.
For the past two years, Jason’s living situation simply didn’t meet his needs. His accommodation couldn’t provide the social interactions, freedom, and independence he craved. Overwhelmed and anxious, Jason was ready for a change.
Helpful conversations
Jason used to rely heavily on others, expecting them to take charge of his life. But things started to change when he began daily chats with his Kaikaranga Connector Case Manager. These half-hour phone conversations were a game-changer. They were more than just check-ins—they helped him navigate his emotions and regain his confidence. “Jason is really sharp and capable,” says our Connector. “He just needed a bit of encouragement because his anxiety sometimes held him back. By walking alongside, him, he’s shown incredible determination and growth.”
He initially wanted our Kaikaranga Connector to change his living situation for him, and handle everything – from communicating with his accommodation provider to managing his GP and passing on messages to his mum. But his Connector knew Jason had it in him. Jason remembers his Connector telling him she would be there to help him, and that he had it in him to take lead. “It took a while to accept it. But she was right. I got better and better at listening to the advice and help from other experts around me. With their coaching and support, I was able to reach my goals,” shares Jason.
Taking the lead
Kaikaranga connected him with
One major hurdle was securing an occupational therapist assessment. This was required to ensure the home could accommodate his physical needs. Without it, he couldn’t move into this new home. He spent hours on the phone and made multiple attempts to get an assessment, which was a very frustrating experience for him at the time. He asked everyone who might be able to help, and when this was identified as roadblock, his Case Manager helped out. Using her community knowledge, Mareike advocated for Jason and sped up the process, ensuring he didn’t miss his placement opportunity.
A better fit
“I finally moved into my new home in July 2024, and I did it all on my own. I want to share my story to let others know that if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. I felt the same way, but I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved. If I can do it, others can too. I just kept persevering, made countless calls, and talked to many people to find a solution. Kaikaranga supported me, but it was my determination that made it happen.”
Looking ahead, Jason dreams big. With a supportive community and newfound courage, anything is possible. He wants to volunteer in the future, learn how to self-transfer safely, and he’s excited about exploring new social opportunities. “I’m excited to have more freedom now to enjoy my hobbies—listening to music, meditating, shopping, and meeting new people. I’m a social person who loves getting out and exploring. My new home allows me to do all that more freely. I hope my story encourages others who might be in a similar situation to keep going and never give up.”