Ali is known in the community as a strong advocate for people with developmental disabilities. She consistently volunteers at a polling station during elections and has spoken at many local organizations’ meetings.
Born in South Korea, Ali has come a long way, both figuratively and literally. She spent her first seven years in the U.S. before adoption by a single mother. Ali went from having no family to being part of a loving household with a Mom, five sisters, and three brothers.
“I always referred to her as ‘Mom’ because a mother is someone who gives birth to you, but a Mom is someone who raises you,” Ali explained.
At 21, Ali left home for college in Pennsylvania where she took life skills courses. After finishing school, however, she moved to a group home with senior residents and naturally felt out of place. She wasn’t living independently and to her fullest potential.
Just before her 30th birthday, Ali began living at Rose House’s Hanover Community Residence, which had just opened in 2011.
“My life is much better here because I live among my peers,” Ali said. “I have an age-appropriate social life now. I love doing activities with my housemates, plus attending birthday parties and doing the Christmas grab bag with them. The staff here is wonderful as well.”
Being wheelchair-bound doesn’t keep Ali from being active. This includes working at Employment Horizons in Cedar Knolls, where she cleans and wraps wires for a local telecommunications company. At home, Ali does numerous household chores, including laundry, which is her favorite.
“Rose House has given Ali the ability to live on her own and have experiences that she most likely wouldn’t have had if still living with a family member,” said her brother Ben. “Before moving there, she never dreamed of living independently, having a career, and creating a life for herself. She’s a special woman with a go-getter attitude. Rose House reinforced this mentality to help her become successful. It has been amazing to watch her progress over the years.”
In her free time, Ali reads Danielle Steel novels and listens to music, especially Madonna and Phil Collins. She also watches game shows and cooking competitions. A sports fan, Ali follows the New York Mets and Jets. She also knows everything about the American Gladiators TV show. One of the highlights of Ali’s life was meeting two of the show’s athletes when she was a teenager. Her family surprised her by going into the city to meet them.
