SOUTHGATE, MI. - July 29, 2005 - John Toppi is an independent guy and doesn't let much slow him down; he also gets what he wants. "I was at the Daytona 500 a few years ago and needed some sunglasses," he reminisces. "I spotted a pair and asked the girl how much, she replied, 'For you, they're free!'
And that's pretty much John's life now through self-determination, whatever he wants he usually gets. John had his eye on a pretty girl many years back, now he's been married almost six years. "Gloria and I spent our fifth anniversary in Las Vegas. I loved the hot weather. I also snuck off and played the dollar slots! I even won some money! I would love to go back there."
John is quick to smile and tell you about his business. He sells gift baskets and yummy centerpieces filled with candy. This past Christmas was quite a money maker for him. "Christmas is the best time of year and Valentine's Day too. I have to make some money so I can take my girl Gloria out to dinner."
John and Gloria live in their own apartment in Southgate and share it with their little kitty, Tiger. "He always wants to play and loves to sit on my lap."
John is also an advocate for people with disabilities. "It's important to be an advocate because then you can be heard and get what you want."
John is also an avid NASCAR fan and loves race car driver Rusty Wallace. But his two biggest idols, country singing stars Faith Hill and Martina McBride. "I call them 'my girls'. I saw Martina in concert and when we got to DTE Music Hall and asked where the handicapped parking was, the attendant told us to park in the VIP lot!"
I told you John gets what he wants!
Community Living Services is a non-profit organization that promotes inclusion, full citizenship and a self-determined life for people with developmental disabilities. CLS is approved by the Detroit-Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency to be both a Manager of a Comprehensive Provider Network (MCPN) as well as a Support Service Network.