Before his time at CISS, Kent led a full and active life. He spent time hunting and fishing, finding peace and purpose outdoors, and worked steadily in a city parking garage as well. Those experiences shaped his strong work ethic and independence, qualities he still carries with him today.
Recently, Kent reached an important milestone. He received help setting up his retirement payments and receiving his disability benefits through the Empowerment Command Center. This accomplishment is something he is genuinely proud of, as it represents both financial stability and reassurance that things are finally coming together for him. He speaks about this progress with genuine happiness and relief, knowing these steps are helping move him closer to long-term stability.
If Kent’s life were a movie, he says he would name it It’s Looking Up. Despite the challenges he has faced, he remains hopeful and forward-looking. He knows that one day he will leave CISS, and he believes firmly that he will get out of his current situation. At the same time, he is realistic. He often reflects that the people who have helped him along the way, including CISS staff members Jenna, David, Kiara, Sebastian, Darryl, and Rosa, will not always be there to guide him as he moves on. This awareness has motivated him to prepare for the future.
Kent understands that when the time comes, he will need to handle many of the tasks he once received help with entirely on his own. Rather than fearing this responsibility, he is actively working toward greater independence now. He is learning how to manage responsibilities, ask the right questions, and advocate for himself so he will be ready when he leaves.
Looking ahead, Kent hopes to one day move back into the apartment he once had in the East Village, before he began staying at CISS. That apartment represents more than housing to him. It symbolizes a return to stability, independence, and a sense of normalcy that he is working hard to rebuild.
Kent strongly believes in the importance of asking for help when it is needed. He says that people should not be afraid to come to CISS because everyone needs support at some point in their lives, and this is a good place to receive it. For him, accepting help has been a key step toward regaining control of his future.
Most of all, Kent wants people to know that he is putting in the work. He says he is getting all his ducks in a row and taking care of what needs to be done so he can get back on his feet. His message is simple and powerful. There is nothing you cannot accomplish if you do not try.
