Kylan and his family spent a long, difficult year trying to get him approved for social security disability insurance benefits. Kylan, who is autistic, faced many setbacks. After an attorney failed to help them, and agencies caused confusion and frustration instead of help, Kylan and his mom became discouraged and overwhelmed. He wondered if the process was worth it at all.
When Goodwill’s SOAR (SSI/SDI Outreach Access Recovery) program stepped in, things began to change.
The SOAR specialist worked on his case for nearly two years. They sent documents through every possible method and never stopped advocating. But Kylan also kept pushing forward, even when he was tired of the fight.
After three long years, Kylan was finally approved for SSDI benefits. Now he can afford his medication, keep stable housing, and meet his basic needs. He does not have to rely completely on others for essentials like clothes or hygiene items anymore.
This stability gives him independence and peace of mind, which is important as he thinks about his future. Kylan is also close to finishing a bachelor’s degree in library sciences, and he hopes to create a community “free little library” where he lives, with a small food pantry on one side and place for free books on the other.
Kylan and his mother shared, “If we wouldn’t have had SOAR to help us, we couldn’t have been able to get it done.” And, because Kylan himself never gave up – he kept trying, learning, and moving forward, even through years of obstacles. His strength and determination make him an amazing example of resilience and a reminder to never give up hope.