Care Coordination Manager Christine Maiurano has worked with Southern Tier Connect since February 2023. In that time, she has connected with members like Alex and helped him find a place to live, apply for benefits, and focus on his next steps. Before joining STC, Christine worked in similar fields as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, a qualified intellectual disability (QDIP) professional in a residential setting, and an Article 17-A guardianship coordinator. In her last position, Christine provided Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver services to both adults and children with mental health issues and/or developmental disabilities. What drew Christine to care management? “It was where I felt I could make a positive impact on people’s lives,” she says.
Before Christine started working with Alex, he lived with his mom in an apartment and worked part-time at a local nursing home as a dietary aide. Christine stepped in to help when Alex’s mom announced that she would be relocating to Florida, leaving Alex on his own for the first time at 21. After his initial application to the apartment building in which he was living was rejected, Christine called the Chenango Housing Improvement Program, who explained that they needed proof of Alex’s disability or else his application would continue to be denied. Christine re-applied and provided evidence of Alex’s disability, after which he was approved!
In between securing the apartment and moving in, Alex lost his job. Christine assisted in writing addendums to his life plan and applied for an OPWDD housing subsidy and transition stipend. After moving in, Alex started with very little, but with help from Christine, he secured furniture, kitchen gadgets like a blender and microwave, and cleaning supplies like a vacuum. She also helped set up his utilities, while community habilitation will help set up a bank account to ensure Alex can make rent payments on time. Soon, he will be working on creating and understanding budgeting. In the meantime, Christine is assisting with Alex’s application for the New York State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) so he can purchase healthy food for meals. Alex shares the apartment with his cat, Tucker.
While Alex is out of work, he is taking time to focus on his artwork. Alex enjoys playing video games and has creatively incorporated them into his art. He has created weapons concepts from the video games he plays. Alex also works with a job coach and hopes to return to the nursing home soon; meanwhile, he has applied to a local gas station for part-time work. Alex’s sister assists with community habilitation, getting groceries, and setting up his television so he can continue playing video games.
In under a year, Christine and Alex have collaborated to transform Alex’s life. Currently, Alex is working to determine his future goals, which Christine looks forward to supporting him in realizing. Christine’s favorite part of her job is “helping members reach their goals and achieve independence.”