Success Stories

DAVID

Determined to “make it on his own”, David  was faced with a decision that many individuals, non-disabled and disabled alike, would have difficulty making. Stay in your mother’s home, where everything had always been done for you, or make the jump into independence. David chose to make the move to independence. A move that becomes even more monumental when you consider the fact that David’s mother had moved out of the country and “making it on his own” meant moving back to the United States by himself.

David had never had to do a load of laundry, wash a single dish, cook a meal, assure that his home was secured, write a check, pay a bill, budget his money or any of the tasks necessary to “make it on your own”. He had worked in the community for many years, and was always regarded as a hardworking, dedicated employee. When his mother made the decision to move, David was less than thrilled. He had developed many strong friendships and ties in Florida since moving here from New York, fifteen years earlier. Honoring his mother’s wishes, David somewhat hesitantly, resigned his job, said good-bye to all his friends and headed to Puerto Rico with his mother.

David was unhappy living in Puerto Rico; he missed his friends, his Special Olympics teammates and his job. He called his Special Olympics coach daily, telling her that he wanted to move back to Florida. After six months, David convinced his mother to let him make a go of it on his own. David and his mother contacted his coach, who is the Executive Director of Victory Living Programs, and began making the arrangements for David to move back to Florida. With training and support from Victory Living Programs, David and 2 roommates share an apartment in the community. He is back at his job at WalMart and back playing all the sports he loves, basketball, softball and soccer.

David and his roommates share the daily chores, with his roommates claiming to be the better cooks. David, however, is definitely the social director and "father hen"  of the group. He truly cherishes his freedom and independence.