Kami’s Thoughtful Journey to Guinea Pig Parenthood
Building Responsibility and Independence Through Pet Care
At AmeriServe, we believe that independence looks different for everyone—and for Kami, one of her biggest goals was to own a pet. When Kami first joined our Residential Program, she worked hard to build essential life skills, gain confidence, and increase her independence. Over time, she achieved a major milestone by successfully transitioning to Lead-On services, where she could make more decisions for her daily life—including welcoming a pet into her home.
Recently, Kami took the exciting step of adopting a guinea pig! Her thoughtful approach to this responsibility highlights her growth, planning skills, and dedication to independent living.
Preparing for Pet Ownership: A Step Toward Greater Independence
Kami knew that owning a pet comes with a lot of responsibility, so she took the time to carefully prepare. She researched everything from ongoing pet care costs to the best food, bedding, and enrichment activities for a guinea pig. Over the span of a week, she compiled a detailed list of everything her pet would need, ensuring that she could provide a safe, comfortable, and happy home.
Once her research was complete, Kami went shopping to gather all the essentials. She thoughtfully selected food, bedding, toys, and other supplies to make sure her guinea pig would have the best possible care. The next day, she set up the cage, creating a cozy and enriching environment before bringing her new pet home.
From Residential to Lead-On: Building a Life of Independence
Kami’s journey is a perfect example of how AmeriServe’s disability services empower individuals to gain independence, build confidence, and achieve personal goals. Transitioning from Residential Services to Lead-On Services gave Kami the opportunity to take on more responsibilities, develop life skills, and enjoy the freedom of making her own choices.
At AmeriServe, we are dedicated to helping individuals with intellectual disabilities live full, meaningful lives. Whether it’s learning new skills, engaging in the community, or achieving personal milestones like owning a pet, we provide personalized disability support to help our clients thrive.
Looking for Disability Support Services in Iowa?
If you or a loved one are searching for disability services in Iowa, including Day Hab, Residential, or Less Than 24-Hour Services, AmeriServe is here to help. We offer personalized care, community-based support, and opportunities for independence in Council Bluffs, Shenandoah, and Clarinda.
📞 Call us today at: (712) 322-0272
📧 Email us at: info@ameriserveintl.com
🌐 Visit our website: www.ameriserveintl.com