From the moment you meet Nancy, you can feel her warmth—even before you hear her voice. Yet it’s her voice—kind, steady, and full of conviction—that has carried her through a truly awe-inspiring journey of self-advocacy, independence, kindness, and community leadership.
Nancy, who has intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and uses a motorized wheelchair because she cannot walk, has never let challenges define her. Instead, they have fueled her determination to build a life rooted in gratitude, independence, and giving back.
Today, Nancy is an Outreach Representative supporting many others with IDD. She leads by example—navigating New York City independently by bus and train,
advocating fiercely for her community, and giving voice to people who are unable to speak for themselves.
“It’s been such a journey,” she says with a soft laugh. “I used to live with my boyfriend—he’s my fiancé now—and I was working for Self Advocacy of New York State. But back then, I was moving from place to place, and I couldn’t walk the stairs at my mother’s home after I hurt my back. I didn’t know what the next step would be.”
What came next changed everything.
After sharing her the challenges of her living situation at a forum, CFS reached out to Nancy to CFS to discuss her housing options. Soon after, she met Linda Schellenberg, now CFS’ Chief Program Officer, and Diana Collins, now CFS’ Director of Community Service. They introduced her to the Individual Support Services (ISS) Housing Subsidy Program at CFS. For Nancy, the possibility of having her own accessible and stable home was the lifeline she had been waiting for.
“I jumped at the chance,” Nancy remembers. “In my 30s, I finally did it. I got to live on my own terms. I had my own home and a better life for my daughter and me.”
Nancy now has her own apartment and truly lives on her own terms, with freedom and independence. Her daughter, Martina, who has two boys, lives upstairs and supports Nancy with daily tasks. Martina receives a special stipend to live nearby and support her mother while raising her children. It works out for everyone!
Finally able to live independently and joyfully in a stable, safe, and loving home—with her daughter and grandsons close by—Nancy has turned her energy and heart where it has always been: To paying it forward. She now helps others with IDD navigate the same systems that shaped her own life.
“I’m giving back to my community what my community gave to me,” she says, smiling. “My mother taught me that. She always said: never say never. Never try—just do.”
Nancy recalls how her parents once doubted whether she could ever live independently. “When you’re disabled and your siblings can do all the things you can’t, your parents think you’ll need to be taken care of forever,” she reflects. “That set off a lightbulb. And look at me now—I fooled them all,” she jokes.
When Nancy isn’t working, she enjoys shopping trips with her family, outings with her fiancé, Esteban, and keeping up with her self-care.
Kandese McCullough, a Care Manager from Advance Care Alliance of New York and a member of Nancy’s support network, shares, “Nancy is a girlie girl—she loves getting her nails done. She talks the talk, walks the walk, and practices what she preaches.” Kandese adds that Nancy’s work ethic and passion continue to inspire everyone around her. “I’ve seen her in action. She is quite literally the voice for those who need a voice. She’s a true professional—a real role model.”
Deyanelin (Deya) Galvez, CFS’ ISS Housing Subsidy Coordinator, has supported Nancy’s ambitions and path to independence for years. Deya echoes Kandese’s admiration, saying, “Nancy is always so full of life. She advocates for others, but she also tells you when you’re wrong. She’s firm, caring, and absolutely wonderful.”
“If it wasn’t for CFS, my community, and my family, I wouldn’t have my support or my apartment,” Nancy says. “I’m so grateful. It’s been more than 15 years, and I have a better quality of life because of them. Family means a lot to me.”
Today, Kandese and Deya remain essential figures in Nancy’s life.
Nancy never misses a chance to uplift others or shine a spotlight on those who supported her. When she learned that Diana Collins had been promoted and was no longer working directly with ISS, Nancy insisted, “Diana’s role in my journey with CFS needs to be mentioned because Diana is a part of me. I didn’t forget about her, and I’m grateful for her.”
Whether Nancy is meeting Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, participating in outreach efforts, or appearing in advocacy videos, she consistently articulates the importance of representation—especially for disabled individuals aging in a world that too often marginalizes them.
Her professional achievements reflect her dedication and passion. In 2021, Nancy received a Certificate of Recognition for 15 Years of Service with Independence Care System (ICS). In 2023, she participated in the FRAME Representation + Aging Project, which raises awareness around disability and disability rights, aging, diversity, and what meaningful representation truly looks like.
Through it all, Nancy emphasizes that her support system made everything possible—her family, her partner, her CFS team, and the community she now gives back to every day.
“I love CFS and everyone who’s been part of my journey. Thank you, CFS and ISS. I love having my own apartment and being on my own—because now I get to have a great quality of life. I’m thankful for the life I get to lead.”
There is no doubt how thankful CFS, Nancy’s family, and her community are for Nancy. Her journey is not just about independence—it’s about sharing that possibility with others. Her courage, her generosity, and her warmth have inspired everyone around her. Nancy refused to be defined by limits—and instead became a light for others finding their way.
Thank you, Nancy, for being all that you can be, and for showing others that they also can be all that they dream to be.
