Care Coordination Manager Nick Peters’ professional journey at Southern Tier Connect (STC) began two and a half years ago, transitioning from a role at a Residential Treatment Center for youth. His experiences there, though demanding, provided valuable insights and prepared him for his current role. Nick’s motivation stems from a personal connection to the field; his mother’s work with Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) exposed him to this line of work from an early age. The reward of seeing someone achieve their goals and the satisfaction of “closing the loop” has kept him driven in his role.
One of Nick’s most notable achievements has been his work with Chad, a member he began supporting in February 2024. Chad’s journey toward stability and personal growth has been one of the most rewarding stories at Southern Tier Connect (STC). When Nick first started working with Chad, he was facing significant challenges, including housing instability, legal issues, and frequent hospital visits. Despite these hurdles, Chad was determined to make changes, and with Nick’s guidance and support, he has made remarkable progress.
Above: Nick with Chad during his monthly meeting
By July 2024, Chad had transitioned into supportive residential housing, marking a major milestone in his journey toward stability. Chad’s persistence, along with Nick’s consistent support, has helped him navigate complex situations, from securing stable housing to managing his legal and medical needs. Chad has also started participating in a Site-Based Prevocational program, which prepares him to return to work, an achievement that he is excited about as he continues to move forward.
Chad’s dedication to improving his life was instrumental in his success. He shared, “I was struggling with a lot of things in my life. The work that Nick and I have done over the past six months has changed my life for the better.” Through consistent check-ins, encouragement, and support—such as attending court appearances with Chad and offering guidance during in-person visits—Nick was able to establish a relationship of trust. This made a meaningful impact on Chad’s ability to stay motivated and focused on his goals.
The approach taken in Chad’s case was simple yet effective: honesty, encouragement, and upfront communication. By tailoring the support to Chad’s unique needs and working alongside him, Nick helped Chad take control of his life. The noticeable results include Chad’s personal growth, reduced hospital visits, and increased organizational skills.
Chad’s story serves as a testament to the importance of strong relationships between care coordination managers and the individuals they support. The collaborative effort between Chad and Nick has shown that when both parties invest in the process, transformative change is possible.
STC celebrates Chad’s accomplishments and looks forward to seeing his continued progress as he embarks on the next phase of his journey.