For years, Emily dreamed of living in a Cedar Lake apartment. After spending more than a decade on the waitlist, that dream has finally come true. Now, at 30 years old, she is embracing independent living in a welcoming Cedar Lake community in Louisville.
Emily has already lived a full and vibrant life. During her high school years at Eastern High School, she was an enthusiastic member of the football and basketball cheerleading squads. Her love for sports continued into college when she attended the University of Louisville’s PACT (Providing Access to Community Transition) program, a collaboration between Jefferson County Public Schools and UofL. This program allowed individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to take college courses and immerse themselves in the campus experience. Emily thrived in this environment, enjoying her favorite subjects, math and science, and even playing intramural basketball. One of her most cherished memories is playing alongside Peyton Siva, former UofL basketball player and current UofL men’s basketball director of player development.
A Social Butterfly
A social butterfly, Emily has maintained friendships from high school, particularly with her cheerleading squad, and has built new connections through college and her various community engagements. She has been involved with Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL) since she was just six months old and continues to participate actively. Whether it’s attending outings, having lunch with friends, engaging in health and fitness activities, or taking part in the adult day academy, DSL remains a central part of her life. She enjoys learning about current events, practicing social skills, and enhancing her computer literacy. Weekly tutoring sessions help her with reading comprehension, furthering her commitment to personal growth.
Staying Active in the Community
Beyond her academic and social pursuits, Emily has also stepped into the workforce. She works part-time at a local sporting goods store alongside her dad, Danny, where she enjoys the sense of accomplishment and independence that comes with earning a paycheck. Additionally, she volunteers at Shine Café, a ministry of Southeast Christian Church that empowers individuals with disabilities. As a barista, she crafts drinks and calls out names when orders are ready, a role she takes pride in. Church remains an important part of her routine, and she looks forward to attending services every Sunday morning.
Now settled into her beautiful one-bedroom, one-bathroom Cedar Lake apartment—complete with a kitchen and living area—Emily is embracing her new lifestyle. She has a passion for cooking, particularly using her air fryer to make perfect chicken tenders. Her love for organization shines through as she keeps her home tidy and enjoys decorating her space. Socialization is key for Emily, and she looks forward to gathering with fellow residents. She also enjoys coloring adult coloring books, often gifting her artwork to her mom.
Becoming Independent
For Emily’s parents, Karen and Danny, ensuring their daughter’s independence while providing the necessary support has always been a priority. Having another daughter, Sarah, who also has an intellectual disability, they have been proactive in teaching their children essential life skills from an early age. “We started teaching the girls as many skills as soon as possible,” Karen shared. Their dedication extended to understanding the available resources, including the Medicaid waiver system and organizations like Cedar Lake and DSL.
Karen strongly advocates for other families to take early action when planning for their child’s future. “Parents need to know that they need to be on the waitlist at Cedar Lake as soon as possible,” she emphasized. She finds it concerning how many families hesitate to place their loved ones on waiting lists yet worry about their child’s future care. By planning ahead, families can secure a stable and fulfilling environment for their children when the time comes.
Looking ahead, Emily hopes to expand her independence by incorporating homemaking services to further develop her daily living skills. She is also considering rejoining Special Olympics, a program she has enjoyed in the past. Meanwhile, her younger sister, Sarah, is also on the Cedar Lake waitlist and eagerly anticipates the day she, too, can call Cedar Lake home.
For Emily and her family, Cedar Lake has been the perfect option, providing the balance of independence and community that she has always desired. “Emily has been wanting to come here forever,” Karen said. And now that she’s here, Emily simply states, “I love being here.”
