Meredith, a member of Humanim’s Meaningful Day program since 2011, has blossomed into a social butterfly! Before this year, Humanim staff remember Meredith as reserved and quiet. She often kept her head down, saying very little throughout the day while hiding her smile and personality behind a face mask.
Since the beginning of this year, staff members and program participants alike have noticed a new Meredith. Bill, the Director of the Meaningful Day program, remarks, “every morning I see Meredith, she greets me with a loud hello and a big wave. She would never do that before.” Steve, Linda and Kate, the DSPs of Meredith’s group, attributed her transformation to the trust they and her peers developed within her.
“After working with her for three years, I noticed Meredith had a quiet presence. So, I started encouraging her! On a day she wasn’t wearing her mask, I let her know she has a lovely face and that we love hearing her speak up” comments Kate. By making deeper connections with the DSPs, Meredith grew more comfortable with everyone in the day program and began embracing her smile.
She’s even opened herself up to new foods and activities, like bowling. Linda recalls that during bowling outings in previous years, “Meredith preferred watching everyone play, but the last time we went bowling, she brought her bowling shoes and started knocking pins!”
Now, Meredith can be found throughout the day chatting away with friends about her weekends, day program activities, and her cat, Toby. She looks forward to every single day at Humanim, and shares that her favorite activities are “the dance and cooking class.” She also enjoys watching movies and looking at picture books of cats.
At Humanim’s Meaningful Day program for adults with developmental disabilities, we provide a safe space for individuals to be themselves and explore their interests. Through a person-centered approach, we empower participants like Meredith to build confidence within themselves and connect with the community. Ensuring those we serve have the opportunity to grow and lead fulfilling lives.