Ohana

Ohana is a motivated young adult who is actively working on improving her independence. She is in the process of entering the Self-Determination Program, has goals to start her own business, and is setting up to live independently in an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) while still having access to family support if needed.

Ayanna, Ohana’s mother, could see that she was struggling in her younger years as her social development and overall life skills were impacted. When Ohana received her diagnosis of autism at the age of 15, it opened doors to accessing the support they needed to help Ohana develop. Ayanna works at UC Davis as a Family Advocate and is the co-facilitator for Sankofa, a free group for families and providers who support Black children with disabilities, so she is familiar with educating parents on advocacy and the regional center system.

With access to the appropriate resources, Ohana began to blossom as the services and supports had a positive impact on her life. She gained a social life, held employment, and gradually improved upon everyday tasks. After high school, Ohana started at Meristem in 2022, and it introduced her to new interests.

At Meristem, Ohana took an Herbal Arts class and immediately became infatuated with the herbal arts, and wanted to learn more about all the things she could make. She learned how to make soaps, lotions, and other body care products that are all natural. Ohana enjoys making soaps, but her passion for the herbal arts spreads to all products. As she continues to develop her skills, Ohana hopes to start at an herbal arts school in 2026 in a year-long program, and then open a beauty care business in 2027, applying her knowledge to her brand.

In addition to her passions, Ohana is excited to live in an ADU. She feels grateful that her parents were able to build the unit in the backyard of their home, so Ohana will always have access to support from them if needed. But having this opportunity will give her the chance to develop her independent skills, like cooking and managing money to pay bills. Being a part of the Self-Determination Program also gives Ohana the freedom to manage her supports as she sees fit, which further enhances her management of time and money.

As she continues to educate herself, Ohana has her parents to help guide her and coach her. Ohana’s stepfather, Marichal, is a barber who is very community oriented. Both he and Ayanna, Ohana’s mother, want to educate barbers how to properly adapt and care for clients with special needs when getting their hair cut. Marichal is extremely supportive of Ohana, and when she launches her business, he plans to carry her products in the two barber shops he owns.

The future feels bright and exciting for Ohana as she continues to make positive changes in her life. She also finds more interests, like photography, that fill her life with beauty and passion. Little by little, she seeks to improve and develop her goals.