One of the most complex parts of spinal cord injury recovery is finding a way home. The journey from institutional care to independent living can be filled with obstacles.
“Obtaining accessible housing is difficult, and the process can feel overwhelming,” says Molly Sebo, executive director of SCIboston, an affiliate chapter of the United Spinal Association. “The shortage of accessible housing and the complexity of securing specialized care can be daunting challenges.”
In 2024, SCIboston received a $50,000 Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life grant to fund its SCI Transition Program, which provides personalized support to help individuals with spinal cord injuries transition from skilled nursing facilities into the local community.
“Our program offers one-on-one assistance in finding accessible housing, navigating complex insurance plans and securing personal care needs,” says Sebo. “The program empowers participants to reclaim independence, improve their health outcomes and chart a future on their own terms.”
The two-year grant helps cover the majority of Stacie Selfridge’s salary, a dedicated transition program liaison with more than 20 years of experience as an occupational therapist supporting people with complex medical needs.
“Stacie is skilled at managing the transition from idea to move-in,” says Sebo. “The greatest impact she makes is helping people connect to the right resources.”
Selfridge guides individuals with support ranging from assistance in completing applications to finding the right list to be notified when accessible housing becomes available. She also provides information on durable medical equipment, including hospital beds, Hoyer lifts, shower chairs and more.
“SCIboston offers intensive, individualized care coordination for all participants, working closely with social workers, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient providers, housing agencies and state programs,” says Sebo.
Due to medical complexity and fragmented systems, many participants require sustained advocacy and frequent follow-up. SCIboston’s coordination focuses on preventing unsafe discharges, resolving service gaps and maintaining continuity of care.
Since receiving the grant, SCIboston has completed 23 transition intakes with individuals residing in skilled nursing facilities. Intake assessments included housing history, insurance status, functional needs, equipment and available supports. In the first year, eight individuals have successfully been discharged from nursing homes to community-based living,
“The process can take up to two years or more, so we are thrilled to have helped eight people transition in the first year alone, which was our two-year goal,” says Sebo. “This speaks to how the program has improved with this grant, enabling us to make more connections.”
Participants are referred to SCIboston by local hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Families also receive guidance on complex discharge planning, housing transitions and caregiving decisions, helping to reduce caregiver isolation and stress.
“The Reeve Foundation funding has not only allowed us to continue the program, but it has also enabled us to fine-tune the process by building our referral services and connecting to more supporting organizations to help as many people as possible,” says Sebo.
One transition program participant who lives with a spinal cord injury noted, "SCIboston awarded me a degree of independence and contributed to me being able to return home to my family."
Since 1992, SCIboston, formerly the Greater Boston Chapter of United Spinal Association and RISE Above Paralysis, has assisted thousands of individuals and caregivers. The organization also coordinates 58 trained peer mentors and hosts 36 monthly support groups with a variety of focuses, ranging from young adults to health and nutrition.
“SCIboston is honored to have been selected for this grant and the opportunity to help participants reclaim control of their lives and thrive in their communities,” says Sebo. “In the coming year, the SCI Transition Program will continue to address critical gaps in housing care coordination for individuals seeking to transition out of institutional settings.”
You can learn more about our Quality of Life program by visiting here.