She has offered support, quick responses, advice and resources to Janette Schultze-Mirabelli, whose daughter Natalie is on the autism spectrum. “It’s a pleasure to have someone in your corner like Andrea. She makes everything so smooth,” said Janette.
Andrea isn’t a close cousin or family member at all. She works as a Support Coordinator with Community Personnel Services (CPS), which is part of the network of services provided to individuals with special needs by the nonprofit ECLC of New Jersey.
Andrea helps a roster of adult clients with disabilities like Natalie and their families access and receive services in their local and surrounding communities, such as arranging for transportation or finding placement in a day habilitation program.
The caring support from Argila has provided security and led to the development of a lasting bond. “She is like a member of the family,” said Janette.
The working relationship started just before Natalie was set to graduate from school in 2015 at the age of 21. This transition from the classroom to adult life can feel like walking a tightrope without a net for parents of children with special needs. But Janette felt a sense of confidence after her first phone call with Andrea.
Before connecting with Andrea, Janette started to try and navigate options for her daughter. “I visited one program and cried in the car because I didn’t like what I saw,” remembers Janette.
Then, Andrea was recommended as a Support Coordinator, and together they coordinated placement in a terrific day program for Natalie.
Later, when an issue arose with transportation, Andrea was quick to find a solution. Natalie was using NJ Transit’s AccessLink, and the rides were taking up to two hours. Andrea came to the rescue. She identified different choices, and Natalie’s travel time was greatly reduced.
The original feeling of confidence hasn’t changed. Natalie is flourishing. Outside of her day program, she takes taekwondo and has earned a junior black belt. “Andrea works really hard. She calls me right away with solutions and different choices. I have never heard her in a bad mood. She is always very positive and upbeat,” said Janette. “And, Natalie feels very comfortable talking to her.”
When the family recently decided to move, ensuring continued access to Andrea was a big consideration. “We didn’t want to move out of her service area,” said Janettee. “She calls me every couple of weeks to check in. She visits Natalie in her program, and Natalie really likes her.”
Like an anticipated family get together, Jannette said, “We look forward to her annual visit to our home.”