Welcome to the third edition of our Q&A series, where we continue to spotlight the extraordinary efforts of Centers for Independent Living throughout North Carolina. In this edition, we are excited to feature an engaging conversation with Adrian Boone, Chief Executive Officer of Solutions for Independence. Solutions For Independence is the federally funded Center for Independent Living serving residents in Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin Counties. Join us as Adrian shares his insights, challenges, and the powerful initiatives that are making a difference in the Piedmont Triad Area.
Adrian Boone, Chief Executive Officer of Solutions for Independence
NCSILC: Can you share an overview of the services Solutions for Independence (SICIL) offers to residents in the Piedmont Triad Area? How do these services specifically cater to the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities?
ADRIAN: At SICIL, we’re all about empowering people with disabilities to live independently and thrive in their communities. As a Center for Independent Living (CIL), we follow federal guidelines requiring at least 51% of our staff and board to be individuals with disabilities. This ensures that the people providing support truly understand what it’s like to face similar challenges. Here’s an overview of the core services we offer—and some unique programs designed to meet the community’s specific needs.
- Information and Referral (I&R): Sometimes, people just need the right information to get started. We connect individuals with resources that empower them to take the next step. Think of us as a guide pointing you in the right direction.
- Peer Support: Every member of our staff is peer support certified, meaning they’ve faced similar challenges. They know how to listen, encourage, and help. Often, it’s about having meaningful conversations to better understand someone’s needs and walk alongside them as they figure things out.
- Transition Services: Whether it’s youth leaving foster care or adults moving from group homes into the community, we ensure a smooth, empowering process. We offer support with budgeting, accessing services, and more—helping people say, “I can do this!” as they build new lives.
- Independent Living Skills Training: For those needing help with everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or staying safe at home, we provide hands-on training. From using appliances to managing a household, we cover it all—except for personal care tasks like grooming, which we leave to care providers.
- Advocacy: We advocate for individuals on personal and community levels. Whether it’s resolving an issue at a store or organizing efforts for better accessible parking in Raleigh, we ensure people’s voices are heard. Recently, we partnered with a grocery store near Industries of the Blind to improve customer service for individuals who are blind or have low vision—and even got a behind-the-scenes tour!
Beyond the five core services, we offer additional programs tailored to the unique needs of our community.
- Transition to Community Living (TCL) Program: One of our proudest accomplishments is helping individuals with serious mental illnesses move from long-term care facilities into the community. Many had no exit plan until we stepped in. We’ve expanded TCL beyond our typical service areas, and it’s been amazing to see the positive impact on so many lives.
- Enhanced Bridge Housing Program: This program provides a soft landing into independent living. We maintain five accessible apartments (including one with staff on-site) to help participants adjust. During their six-month stay, they learn essential life skills—like managing finances, cooking, and maintaining a home—many for the first time. We start residents with a $150 shopping trip, teaching them to plan meals and make their own choices. These small steps help them feel connected to the community and build confidence. Once they realize, “I can do this,” they no longer want to return to institutional living.
SICIL has come a long way. A few years ago, we were on the brink of closing, but with a fresh start and new energy, we turned things around. We’ve expanded services, hired new staff, and refreshed our space to reflect the vibrant community we serve. Today, we proudly support not just the Piedmont Triad area but also counties like Catawba, Cabarrus, Davie, Burke, and Lincoln.
At SICIL, we believe in dreaming big and making bold moves—even if we stumble along the way. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to live independently, build meaningful connections, and enjoy life to the fullest. We’re honored to be part of their journeys and excited about what’s ahead!
NCSILC: What are some recent initiatives or programs SICIL has implemented to enhance community engagement and support for individuals with disabilities?
ADRIAN: One of our most exciting programs is Game On Adaptive Leisure and Sports (GOALS)—and it’s been a game-changer! This initiative began after COVID, when people were eager to reconnect with their community. One of our staff members, who’s a recreational therapist, reached out to a local rec center—and they jumped on board!
Since launching three years ago, GOALS has grown beyond what we imagined. We’ve partnered with the North Carolina Assistive Technology (AT) Program to offer adaptive gaming, sports, and AT demonstrations. We host events at JDL Fast Track, the largest indoor track space in the region, which generously provides the space twice a year at no cost. The community response has been incredible!
We’ve also formed great connections, including with the Triad Trackers, a local wheelchair basketball team. And here’s the best part—our COO is a national wheelchair basketball player! He quickly got involved, and now the Triad Trackers are officially part of the SICIL family. We’re rooting for them to make it to the national tournament!
NCSILC: How does SICIL work with local organizations and government agencies to promote accessibility and inclusion within the communities you serve?
ADRIAN: We love being out in the community, building connections, and making sure people know we’re here to support them. Whether it’s attending a resource fair at a high school or partnering with other service providers, we aim to be part of the continuum of care. We show up at events, from senior centers to shelters, distributing outreach cards and materials to spread the word about our services.
Our partnership with the North Carolina Assistive Technology (AT) Program is one we’re especially proud of. We’ve participated in statewide calls, working together to improve access to AT across the region. Building relationships and staying visible is key to creating a more inclusive community—and we’re all in. The more we connect, the more opportunities we create for individuals to thrive!
NCSILC: In light of the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, can you discuss how SICIL supported consumers during this emergency and any specific actions taken to ensure their safety and well-being?
ADRIAN: When Hurricane Helene hit, we jumped into action. I attended an emergency meeting and let everyone know: our doors are wide open to help however we can.
We partnered with the North Carolina AT Program, offering our office as a distribution center for equipment. We also set up an open-ended loan program—knowing that not everything would come back, but that’s okay in emergencies.
Our experience from Hurricane Florence taught us a lot. Back then, our staff worked in emergency shelters, helping people return home from care facilities. This time, we were proactive. When similar issues arose, I contacted the state to ensure they closely monitored the situation, so no one got left behind.
At SICIL, we believe that showing up during tough times is what community is all about. We’re proud of how we came together to support consumers through Hurricane Helene.
NCSILC: What feedback have you received from the community regarding SICIL’s impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities, particularly in times of crisis?
ADRIAN: Most of the feedback we get comes when people are in tough situations—and we know how hard those moments can be. One of the biggest challenges we hear about is the lack of affordable, accessible housing. Finding that combination is tough, but we’ve had success with the Mainstream Housing Voucher. It offers a fast track to housing for people between 18-61 who are homeless and have a significant disability.
It’s incredibly rewarding to help someone walk into our office without a home and, in a short time, secure affordable, accessible housing.
We also partner with greeNest, an organization that provides refurbished furniture. With just a few hundred dollars from SICIL, we can fully furnish a new home for someone in need. After they get their keys, we refer them to greeNest, covering the cost of furniture and delivery. Knowing they have a furnished home gives them a solid foundation to rebuild their lives.
For us, it’s about staying connected with the community and being creative in meeting people’s needs. Hearing from individuals that our support made a difference—that’s what keeps us going.
NCSILC: Looking ahead, what are SICIL’s goals for the upcoming year in terms of expanding services or improving access for individuals in the Piedmont Triad Area?
ADRIAN: One of our key goals is to expand our Transition to Community Living (TCL) program. This work is so important, and we’re excited about the possibilities. I’m especially passionate about collaborating with other CILs—particularly the one in Charlotte. Our plan is to have their staff shadow ours, learn the TCL process, and eventually launch their own program with a state contract.
Housing is a critical need, and by working together, we can create a hub-and-spoke model, expanding services into underserved areas. It’s about laying the groundwork for long-term impact, giving more people the opportunity to live independently.
We’re excited for what’s ahead and ready to keep building, connecting, and growing!
Adrian Boone was named Chief Executive Officer of Solutions for Independence in June 2024. He is a certified Peer Specialist with years of experience as an Independent Living Specialist, a Community Inclusion Specialist, and a Re-entry Specialist. He is also a Functional Assessment Support Team (F.A.S.T.) member for NC Emergency Management.
Prior to his employment at Solutions for Independence, Adrian worked as a Travel Trainer and has years of experience working with the Transition to Community Living Initiative (TCLI). He has also worked with justice-involved/formerly incarcerated individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) within the Butner Federal Prison Complex and the NC State Prison System. Demonstrating a penchant for positive reinforcement, Adrian encourages and supports his staff to deliver the most empowering, comprehensive, and inclusive Independent Living Plans (ILP), thus permitting Solutions for Independence’s consumers to live independent and full lives.
Adrian is also a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), a Heating Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC) Technician, and is certified with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In his free time, he enjoys freelance photography, writing, traveling, learning new recipes, watching sports, and spending time with his children and family in Baltimore, MD. Learn more about Solutions for Independence at sicilnc.org.