Brayden Bentzoni
Brayden’s, 19, story is one with a lot of pages still left to be written. It’s one that includes a fair amount of uncertainty, but also an incredible level of tenacity and an unwavering kindness and sense of self.
Brayden lived with his mother, father, and younger sister until after he finished school in May of 2025. Brayden’s Supports Coordinator, Debra Deeter, advocated for Brayden and facilitated his transition into adult life and all it entailed in many ways. One significant way was by arranging his enrollment into COI’s CPS program as he was finishing high school and therefore extending his support network.
Shortly after receiving our services, Brayden shared that he was being kicked out of his family home following graduation. Our teams came together and helped Brayden learn about our Supported Living program. His spot on the waitlist for a higher waiver was expedited because of his situation and he was placed in an apartment in Milton with a waiver that could afford him both CPS and SL. We helped Brayden discover and utilize community resources like a subsidized YMCA membership, food banks and community aid programs for furniture while he awaited his first social security check and beyond. Only a few months after living independently in his new home, connecting with his community and feeling comfortable in his environment, Brayden began working at Giant Supermarket in Lewisburg as a front-end associate retrieving carts.
Brayden celebrated 30 days of employment in March, 2026. Working for his own money (being able to take his parents out for a dinner he paid for at his favorite restaurant) is an accomplishment Brayden takes great pride in. He enjoys being out and loves the opportunity to socialize with coworkers and customers alike. He says he particularly enjoys helping people load their groceries and saving them the walk back to the cart return.
Brayden isn’t sure this is the job he wants long-term, as he has concerns about inclement weather and having to maintain such an active pace, but he says it’s exactly where he wants to be for now. Brayden is pursuing his goals with a youthful spirit, learning new skills and things about himself. His job is helping him understand that changing what you're chasing is okay. Growth happens all along the journey, not just at the end.