Rehoboth has had the privilege of supporting Gilbert for more than 38 years; beginning with services for Supported Independent Living, supports have assisted Gilbert through the natural aging process, advocating for him to remain in his community and his home.
After moving into a Rehoboth home with three roommates, Gilbert also joined the Employment Services Program which supported him through several jobs over the following years. Farming at Rehoboth’s first vocational program, Brightbank, to a Service Assistant at Eco Water kept Gilbert busy while reminding staff and co workers that one day, he would be the Executive Director for Rehoboth, taking over for Wally Mulder. Several years and one more move later, Gilbert chose to retire before Wally and focus his time on relaxing, his roommate and community socializing. With retirement came some physical challenges that at one stage, appeared to be more than Gilbert’s Rehoboth home could accommodate. Gilbert’s family along with Rehoboth supports, advocated for accessible renovations so that he could remain at home as long as possible.
Assisting Gilbert to age in place, in his home and with his community of more than 38 years was important to his Rehoboth supports and to Gilbert; working together to continue to flourish in every aspect of life.