When 13-year-old Lainee Cornelius first connected with Center for Human Services (CHS) in November 2023, her family was doing everything they could to meet her complex needs on their own. Living in Bolivar, Missouri, Lainee’s grandmother and guardian, Teresa, often had to pay out of pocket for critical medical equipment and services, while also caring for Lainee’s younger brother. Their family friend introduced them to CHS, and that introduction changed everything.
With the support of CHS Central Region Service Coordinators Tracey Roberts and Abigail Bartshe, Lainee and her family found not only resources but also advocacy and partnership. Abigail worked closely with them to secure essential items like a transfer lift and helped navigate support services, ensuring Lainee could live safely and comfortably. Through the Self-Directed Supports (SDS) program, Lainee now has access to daily personal assistant care, giving her the freedom to thrive while lifting some of the weight from her family’s shoulders. Though she recently underwent hip surgery and has another back procedure scheduled, Lainee continues to show incredible resilience. She’s adapting well at Bolivar Middle School, forming new relationships with staff and peers, and planning for future mobility goals, including the dream of one day walking independently.
One of Lainee’s proudest achievements has been her advocacy in creating a truly inclusive space, a new accessible playground in Bolivar. Alongside her grandmother and CHS, she helped select equipment that meets her needs and those of others with disabilities. Recently, Lainee and her family attended the ribbon cutting, where she celebrated not just her advocacy but also got to fully enjoy the playground, riding the merry-go-round, swinging, and moving freely across the wheelchair-accessible surface.
Her grandmother says it best: “CHS has really helped our family, and our Service Coordinator and advocate Abigail Bartshe is the bomb.” Lainee’s story is one of perseverance, progress, and purpose, and Center for Human Services is honored to walk alongside her every step of the way.