When Lilly Miller was a little girl in elementary school, her teachers told her mom and dad something important. They said Lilly, who was born with Down syndrome, should be put on a special list. This list was for a program that would help her learn job skills and make friends when she was older, but they’d have to wait about six years for her turn.

Now, ten years have passed, and Lilly is 21 years old. She’s too old for the school programs she used to attend in Wichita, Kansas, where she lives. Lilly’s mom and dad, who are both teachers, decided to hire someone to help take care of her at home. They learned that a program like the one the teachers talked about would cost a lot of money each month, something like $1,500 to $2,000, according to Lilly’s dad, Marvin Miller.

In places all across the United States, lots of kids and young people who need extra help because of physical or intellectual challenges are waiting for programs like the one Lilly needs. Even though Kansas, where Lilly lives, plans to spend more money to help, it might still take a long time to help everyone who’s waiting.

These programs can teach people new things, help them find jobs, or give them care at home. Marvin Miller worries because without these programs, Lilly doesn’t see friends much and isn’t learning new things. He really wants her to have a good life, especially when he’s not around to help her.

In Kansas and other states, many families are facing this challenge. They need these services for their children but have to wait a long time to get them. Even with more money being spent, it’s hard to make sure everyone gets the help they need right away.

There are also stories like the Elskamp family’s. They waited ten years for help for their daughter, Sheridan, who also has intellectual disabilities. Even after they got off the waiting list, they had to figure out a lot on their own and pay for things themselves.

People are trying to fix these problems by spending more money and making plans to help more people faster. But it’s a big challenge, and it takes a lot of work from everyone involved. Families like Lilly’s and Sheridan’s keep hoping for the best and doing what they can to make sure their loved ones have happy, fulfilling lives.