Milestones: Moving Forward: Meet Kelsey Green

BY CHRISTINA MCGAIRK

Milestones mark a significant moment in a person’s life. They signify growth, transformation, and progress from one stage to another. For individuals in the exceptional needs community, milestones carry an even deeper meaning. These moments celebrate personal achievements, selfacceptance, and resilience. Milestones also encompass self advocacy, self discovery, and the power of supportive connections. No one knows this more than 32-year-old Fishers native Kelsey Green who moved into her very first apartment in March of 2024. For her, the move represented more than just a change of address. It symbolized her road to independence.

“I moved into my own apartment because I felt I was ready to be on my own,” said Kelsey.

Her supportive parents, Jeff and Beverly Green, helped Kelsey find her comfy one-bedroom apartment, which is close to their home and her job at Goodwill Industries. The spacious apartment features neutral white walls that absorb the sunlight streaming in through the bedroom windows and the sliding glass patio door. Beautifully framed photographs are showcased throughout the apartment. Kelsey also has an adorable, furry roommate, a chinchilla named Snowball, which she takes care of.

Although Kelsey admits living on her own took some getting used to, once she settled in, she grewmore comfortable with her newfound independence.

“Once I started staying here more, I started to enjoy it it; it’s a nice place to live and I have friends who live across the street from me.”

Kelsey enjoys having friends she met through Best Buddies, Thrive Social Club, and Special Olympics, over to her new apartment for ice cream on the patio or to share a meal.

Her approach to living by herself was a big part of helping her get adjusted. Kelsey hasn’t deviated from her previous routine. She has taken ownership by arranging her belongings, such as her pictures, throughout her home, getting a new couch for her living room, and decorating her bedroom with multicolored LED string lights. Kelsey even makes sure her eating habits are in check.

“I’m trying to eat healthier by not having junk food in my place,” said Kelsey. “No sweets, no junk.”

She offered these words of advice for those with exceptional needs who want to move into their own place:

“When you move out on your own for the first time, you will get nervous and homesick. But once you get into a routine and live in your place longer, it gets easier.”