DJ Braken came to Independence, Inc. in 2023 with concerns regarding their wellbeing. Being a nonverbal person poses a lit of challenges in Braken’s life. Braken explained that they struggle with being able to complete applications and hold a job because it is difficult to do so without the ability to speak. This particular struggle made it financially impossible to afford food and other necessities.
While working with Independence, Inc., Independent Living Specialist Lauren McClurg aided Braken by applying for bene
fits, looking into college courses, seeking medical attention and applying for Social Security Disability.
Braken praised McClurg and Independence, Inc. for their help, saying, “This is amazing like I feel like I’ve gotten so much done. I was struggling to do any of it, it feels so good.”
