Achieving a goal can be incredibly rewarding — but it’s rarely a straight path. Obstacles often arise and can throw even the best-laid plans off course. That’s why a clear vision and a well-defined path are essential to helping the individuals in your care reach both their short- and long-term goals. Reaching these goals fosters a deep sense of pride and accomplishment and can open the door to greater independence and long-term self-sufficiency.
While goal setting may sound simple, data from The Council on Quality and Leadership’s (CQL) Personal Outcome Measures® (POM) shows that only 64% of people receiving services are realizing their goals — and just 53.1% have the support needed to do so. The data is telling us there is room for improvement.
A strong foundation begins with setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — the SMART method. It’s equally important to define the “why” behind each goal, as this deeper purpose helps maintain motivation. Encouraging individuals to use positive, action-oriented statements like “I will…” can also increase the likelihood of success.
Using a person’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) is central to creating a person-centered approach. Writing down goals, breaking them into smaller steps, and assigning clear deadlines make progress easier to track and support accountability. Remember to celebrate wins and milestones along the way — every step forward matters.
Additional ways to support goal achievement include:
Integrating goal-related steps into daily routines to help form lasting habits
Staying flexible and adjusting plans as needed
Focusing on consistent progress rather than perfection
It’s not just about identifying what someone wants to achieve — it’s also about preparing for the challenges they may face. For individuals receiving SSI and Medicaid, financial barriers often stand in the way. Strict asset limits can make saving difficult, even when someone is working hard toward a long-term goal.
While benefits may meet basic needs, everyone deserves the opportunity to save, plan, and strive for more. That’s where financial tools like exempt resources make a meaningful difference. Funds placed in these special accounts don’t count toward asset limits, allowing individuals to set aside money for goals beyond daily living expenses.
Exempt resources can be incorporated directly into an ISP to strengthen a person-centered plan. When used effectively, they help maximize financial security and expand opportunities for independence. These tools are crucial for supporting personal goal achievement — especially when financial stability is key.
When service providers use exempt resources as part of their financial strategy, they gain a better ability to manage resource limits, protect benefit eligibility, and build long-term financial stability by:
Empowering individuals to save for future needs and personal goals
Eliminating the need for spend-downs while keeping essential benefits intact
The team members at Arlington Heritage Group are exempt resource experts. We work exclusively with human service providers, individuals, and families to help protect and preserve vital benefits for people with disabilities. Let us help you — and those in your care — navigate the financial side of achieving meaningful, lasting goals.
Kim Goodwin is the Director of Marketing at Arlington Heritage Group.
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