Personal Growth and Giving Back

Mike has been supported by SA for over 30 years. In 2015, he was in a bike accident, which lead to his retirement from full-time work.

Mike is a very organized, routineoriented individual. The transition to retirement was not easy for him. One way he responded to the change was by increasing his involvement in his community. Over the years, he has made many wonderful connections with local businesses and organizations that he frequents as part of his daily routine.

In May 2022, Mike received an unexpected lump sum of social security back-pay funds. With the help of Rachel Harbaugh, Financial Specialist, and Jean Walkuw, Residential Manager, he planned how to best allocate the money.

“Mike has a very big heart. His first instinct after receiving the funds was to spend it on others,” Rachel shared. Working with the many community connections he made in retirement, Mike made donations to the Oak Harbor Senior Center, North Whidbey Help House, and the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum.

379,532 Hours of direct service to adults

66 Respite stays provided

363 Children, youth, and families served

When it came to spending money on himself, Rachel and Jean did a lot of coaching to help Mike feel comfortable with the idea of treating himself. They worked with him to embrace small luxuries, instead of things that were only “good enough.” After brainstorming, he decided to purchase an electric bike. Mike also purchased new furniture, authentic cowboy boots, new glasses, and used the remaining funds to create an ABLE savings account.

Rachel, Jean, and others who support Mike worked hard to encourage and build his self-esteem, reminding him it was okay to set himself up for the future, as well as give back to his community. In the end, Mike saved, splurged, and donated. His most rewarding choice though: donating funds to support his community.

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