BJ Stasio

BJ Stasio is a dedicated advocate and host of the Housing Journey podcast. He has extensive experience working with services like the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the Department of Health (DoH), facilitating personal care and mental health support. Known for his activism, BJ is deeply engaged in forming and working with circles of support to aid individuals with disabilities.

Carol Napierski

Carol Napierski serves with the New York Alliance for Inclusion Innovation. Her work focuses on fostering inclusive practices and supporting persons with disabilities through diverse initiatives and discussions, such as those highlighted in her appearance on this podcast.

Episode Summary:

Discover the profound impact of creating a circle of support in this insightful episode of the Housing Journey podcast, hosted by BJ Stasio. Join BJ and Carol Napierski from the New York Alliance for Inclusion Innovation, as they discuss the importance of having trusted individuals in your life who guide and assist you in decision-making and navigating life's challenges. Learn how BJ cultivates his circle of support and the lifelong value it represents.

BJ Stasio shares his innovative approach to building a "circle of support," emphasizing the network's role in providing guidance, accountability, and familial bonds. The discussion centers around selecting trusted members who offer diverse perspectives, aiding BJ in managing his advocacy efforts and personal goals. At the heart of the conversation is the belief that everyone should build a supportive network, no matter the duration of each member's involvement—aptly referred to as a "season" by BJ. This ensures that the right support is always accessible when most needed for life decisions, whether related to housing, services, or personal growth pathways.

Key Takeaways:

• A circle of support is a network of trusted individuals who help guide significant life decisions and personal development.
• BJ emphasizes choosing members who are diverse and can provide unique insights while holding him accountable.
• The concept of a "season" in support networks suggests that not all relationships are permanent, highlighting the importance of evolving support systems.
• Despite disagreements, the circle's guidance typically offers valuable perspectives that are often correct upon reflection.
• Engagement methods have evolved post-COVID, with BJ leveraging multiple channels like phone, video, and in-person meetings to keep his circle actively involved.

Notable Quotes:

• "I consider my circle of support my super friends—they guide me in life and services."
• "The support my circle gives could change the outlook of the way things are going to go for me."
• "I choose to keep the people on my circle because I love them and I value them."
• "Every human being, whether you have a disability or not, should have a good network of people around them."
• "A circle of support is there to support you; that's why it's called the circle of support."

Resources:

• The New York Housing Resource Center: https://nyhrc.org/
• The New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities: https://nyhrc.org/

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