What could a financial management service (FMS) and support broker from Sturgis, Michigan, have in common with a senior center in Washington, D.C.’s Ward 4? More than one might guess. The organizations — GT Independence and the Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Day Care Center, respectively — share a founding rooted in family, a vibrant community, and a purpose centered on individual dignity.
Inspired by family and community bonds
More than 20 years ago, the Carmichael family in Sturgis found themselves navigating complex rules and bureaucracy to support one of their own. John Carmichael, president of GT Independence, recalls that his older brother, Ben, was born with a disability. As Ben reached adulthood, the family sought new opportunities to support his life choices and discovered self-direction. With self-direction, Ben chooses the people who provide his support and makes his own decisions about what to do and where to go. Although this was a complicated process at the time, “it was wonderful to see the change in Ben and to see how both he and the community benefitted from his inclusion,” says Carmichael.
The Carmichael family recognized the importance of having people with disabilities and people aging in place live life on their own terms — in their homes and communities — as full participants in society. They took their learnings from helping Ben and formed GT Independence to help others manage the responsibilities of self-direction. Over time, the FMS and support broker has grown to assist thousands of people who self-direct their long-term services and supports, making it possible for people to live fulfilling lives in their communities.
Well before GT Independence got its start, the Genevieve N. Johnson (GNJ) Senior Day Care Center opened in 1982 to serve in the spirit of its namesake. Johnson, who raised four children, carried her maternal instincts forward for more than 40 years to care for a broader community family and advocate for D.C.’s aging population. She lobbied the city for programs and services — affordable housing, transportation assistance, health care — and lobbied Congress to pass the landmark Medicare Act in 1965…