Self-directed care “a lifeline” for families, individuals with disabilities and older adults with care needs

When Jessica Girard’s son became an adult, she knew he would need support in order to fulfill his desire to live independently. He did not want to live in a group home. So she turned that research into supporting others. Advocating for her son, Girard researched what support services were available for him. Girard has turned her knowledge and lived expertise navigating these programs into a career that supports Minnesota families like hers. She’s also the family advocacy and outreach manager for Partners in Community Supports or PICS (an Applied Self-Direction member).