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The Lani Waiver

A Stabilization Initiative Under Operation KJ

The Lani Waiver operates under Operation KJ, Berry Manor Boarding Home’s compassionate stabilization program named in memory of KJ — Deanna Miller-Berry’s 23-year-old autistic son who lost his battle with mental health.   Operation KJ was founded on one core belief:


No individual should fall through the cracks because of system failure, financial hardship, or lack of coordinated support. 

 

The Lani Waiver extends that mission by ensuring that vulnerable adults facing immediate instability are not denied safe housing due to temporary financial barriers.

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Purpose

 

The Lani Waiver serves as a short-term stabilization bridge for individuals who:

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  • Are medically fragile, disabled, or cognitively impaired

  • Face urgent housing instability

  • Have pending income or benefit approvals

  • Lack sufficient immediate resources to cover full program costs

 

It is not a subsidy program — it is a structured intervention designed to prevent crisis escalation while sustainable funding pathways are secured.

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Eligibility

 

Applicants must be enrolled or pending enrollment as Members of BMBH and meet one or more of the following:

 

  • Demonstrated financial hardship (with or without current income)

  • Pending Social Security Disability, VA benefits, Medicaid, or other entitlements

  • Referral from a hospital, hospice, case manager, or care facility identifying high housing risk

  • Medically or cognitively vulnerable without safe discharge placement

 

Eligibility is determined based on urgency, documentation, and available funding.

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What the Lani Waiver May Provide

 

Approved Members may receive one or more of the following stabilization supports:

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  • Partial or temporary reduction of membership costs

  • Coordinated personal care or oversight services

  • Transportation support (when no external resource is available)

  • Temporary food assistance during benefit activation

  • Crisis navigation and case coordination

  • Compassionate end-of-life support under Operation KJ

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Services are individualized based on need and funding capacity.

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Duration & Review

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  • Initial waiver term: 30–90 days (Case by case)

  • Reevaluation required at 90 days or sooner

  • Designed as a bridge — not permanent coverage

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Continuation depends on progress toward benefit activation, income stabilization, or alternative funding.

 

Application Process

 

  • Completion of a Lani Waiver Request Form by the Member or referring party

  • Review by the Executive Director and/or State Membership Coordinator within 72 hours

  • Possible request for supporting documentation or provider care plan

  • Required participation in follow-up reviews and service check-ins

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Important Acknowledgment

 

The Lani Waiver:

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  • Is not a lease agreement or tenant right

  • Is conditional upon participation in BMBH’s program structure

  • May be modified or discontinued if safety, compliance, or operational integrity is compromised

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The Heart Behind the Program

Operation KJ was born from personal loss and transformed into purposeful action.

The Lani Waiver reflects our commitment that no one navigating medical fragility, mental health vulnerability, or financial hardship should be left without a structured pathway to stability.

At BMBH, stabilization is not charity — it is coordinated compassion with accountability.

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