When my son Ben was born, I saw a world of possibilities and opportunities for him. But at 18 months old, he was diagnosed with Autism and my whole world view shifted. Each stage of his life saw it's own challenges. We celebrated every milestone, every achievement, culminating with his graduation from High School. As we celebrated this event, we watched as the services that had nurtured our son through the years evaporated overnight. While most graduates were headed off to college or work and moving towards an independent life, Ben was stuck in a limbo of sorts. He lived at home and was socially isolated. As we explored housing options, we found the existing models to be outdated and insufficient to meet his needs. Group homes offered a community environment but lacked any real sense of independence and supportive apartments provided independence without the community.
I asked myself- why shouldn't my child have both? Why should any family have to choose? Indie Living was born out of this concept. The concept behind Indie Living is simple. Create comfortable, affordable "smart" apartments and provide on-site opportunities for socialization, education and recreation for individuals with Autism and related disabilities.I talk about Ben most of the time with regard to Indie Living, because he was my first foray into this world. But, let's not forget that Autism looks different in everyone. The bottom picture is my 16-year-old son, Adam. He is also on the Spectrum, but in very different ways than his brother. I always told them that they were lucky they were cute.
The Prizes
First Coffee, Then Wine
Start your day with Starbucks, then get your nails done with a glass of wine in this fun basket!
Wine and Haircut
Your Morning Coffee
Oversized coffee mug and handpainted sign for your home.
Starbucks
Starbucks gift card and pumpkin potporrri
Wine and jewelry
Get a new look with a wash, cut and blow out and original necklace.
Take Care of Yourself
An assortment of wellness products to take care of you, body and soul
Metromodes
Pamper yourself with a wash/cut/blow-out; express facial and single process color from Metromodes
Time to Eat!
On the Border Mexican restaurant is a great place for dinner!!
Mystery Gift Card
From who? For what amount? Take a chance!
Save the Bess
Enjoy these eco-friendly beeswax wraps and a Starbucks gift card
Save the Bees, II
We thought it was so nice, we did it twice!
Lush Cosmetics
An assortment of small-batch products to help you look and feel great!!
Gone to the Dogs
Spoil that fur baby with a gift basket all for them!
One more for the puppies
Ok, we can't resist! Here's another basket for the puppy!
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...
You'll be the fairest after getting your hair done at Mirror Mirror salon. And pamper yourself with these aromatic ocean sachets and bath bomb.
Everyone loves brunch!
Enjoy brunch at BK Sweeney's restaurant
Everything is bigger in Texas!
Dinner for two at the Texas Roadhouse
Tastes like chicken!
Here's gift bucket from that LI staple, Zorn's!!
Good skin comes from good products
Let your skin experience the feel of Doterra skincare products. And also enjoy a $50 gift certificate to the Hair Machine!
Oak Chalet
Enjoy a Sunday brunch in the cozy atmosphere of the Oak Chalet
Coffee and Jam
Warm your hands with this oversized coffee mug and fresh made Raspberry Jalapeño jam.
Doterra, part II
Here's another basket of different Doterra products and wash, deep conditioning treatment and blow out from Salon Nouveau.
Something for the kids!
Kids bored? Let them play with this fun assortment of hands-on activities! Need to get out a bit with them? Here's a $50 gift card for United Skates!
Nature in your backyard
Attract some of the beautiful parts of nature with this pretty birdhouse and blessings sign. And enjoy bread for a year from Panera.
Everyone could use a little help
We have $25 gift card from The Clean Machine cleaning service and a $20 gift card to Outback. Now that's a good day!