Alice and Tina share a unique bond. Though they live under the same roof, they are not bound by blood. Instead, they have become lifelong friends, united by a deep, mutual level of respect through Easterseals New Hampshire’s Shared Living Residential Services.
As a longtime home care provider, Alice has been an integral part of Tina’s life for more than two decades. Their relationship began in the late 1990s when Alice, who had moved to the United States from Rwanda a few years earlier, started working as a direct support professional. It wasn’t long before the two connected, with Alice frequently offering a listening ear, providing companionship, and creating a safe space for Tina to talk through her stressful emotions.
As Tina approached adulthood, she faced the challenge of transitioning out of her residential program and finding a new place to live. Alice recalls learning about Easterseals NH’s Shared Living Residential Services, part of the agency’s Community-Based Services program. Individuals with intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injuries are connected with providers who offer enhanced family care, often giving them a home when they might otherwise be without one. Alice welcomed Tina into her home, and the pair have been inseparable ever since.
Alice’s commitment to Tina’s well-being goes far beyond traditional caregiving. From driving Tina to medical appointments to ensuring she has a cozy, safe place to live, Alice is a constant source of support. Thanks in part to a devoted team of program managers, nurses, and clinicians at Easterseals NH, Alice has found a rhythm that works, making it easier to provide Tina with the care and comfort she deserves.
Alice is quick to point out that being a Shared Living provider does not mean sacrificing one’s personal autonomy. “If people are thinking that it’s going to make them lose their freedom, I always tell them that they are wrong,” she says. “I have all the support I can get.”
Their journey has not been without its challenges. As Alice’s own family grew, Tina wondered if there would still be a place for her. But Alice, always supportive, assured Tina that she would always be part of the family.
Alice’s three sons—Joel, 22, Sam, 18, and Philippe, 16—have all grown up with Tina. “I don’t even introduce her to people as ‘Tina from Easterseals,’” Alice says. “She’s just Tina—our friend, who lives with us.” Through growing up alongside Tina, Alice’s sons have learned invaluable lessons in acceptance and patience. Her two oldest sons have even become respite providers themselves, continuing the legacy of care within the program.
Through the years, Alice has experienced the profound impact of Shared Living—not just on Tina but on the whole family. “It’s not a job—it’s a way of life,” Alice says. “It’s been quite a journey, but it’s worth it when you see the change. To see the growth in someone when they are given chances is just great.”
Her dedication has been life-changing for Tina, who recalls Alice’s unwavering support during tough times. “I’ve been through a lot in my life, but Alice has always been there for me,” Tina shares. “She stood up for me when no one else did, and she’s helped me get through so many tough times.”
To learn more about the program, visit eastersealsnh.org/programs/community-based-services/residential-services or send an email to sharedliving@eastersealsnh.org.