Ron Abersol works at Light of Life Ministries and is always the first to volunteer for extra work. He even calls in to catch up with coworkers on his days off. While Ron is dedicated to his job, it was a tough journey to get to this point. He had been unidentified and untreated disability. “I was sleeping in doorways and on porches, cops being called on me,” he said, citing alcoholism as the cause for his situation. “You get tired of being tired, so I surrendered. It takes a lot to surrender.” With help from his sister, Ron transitioned to the facility’s residential Life Transformation program, where he connected with Achieva Direct Support Professional, Antoinette Frazier.
Antoinette encouraged Ron to stay in the program when he felt like leaving, telling him to remember how far he has come. Thanks to her support and encouragement, Ron stayed in the program, and earned himself a spot on a waiting list for a brand new apartment in Lawrenceville. Sixth Ward Flats is an affordable housing project partnership where eight of the 35 apartments are available for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. These apartments include supportive services from Achieva. He moved to his new apartment in October 2021 and went from living at Light of Life to becoming an employee.
Living His Best Life
Ron's hard work isn't just reflected in his new apartment and job at Light of Life. After moving into his apartment, he connected with a woman who was trying to help her elderly parents. This led to a conversation about how Ron could connect her with the Pittsburgh Greater Food bank to help her family. Eventually, they began a romantic relationship and have been together for over a year now. In January, Ron celebrated seven years sober, a streak he keeps, in part, thanks to twice-a-week AA meetings and Antoinette’s support. His four children have also welcomed him back into their lives, giving him a second chance to reconnect with them. While Ron has come a long way, his goals are not stopping anytime soon. He plans on earning his driver's license, and eventually wants to purchase his own vehicle.
