Lauren has been creating meaningful change for herself and others through our Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP). She first learned about the program from her sister while seeking support for stress and anxiety.
When she joined in 2023, Lauren was reserved and focused on her personal goals. Over time, with encouragement from staff and connections with peers in the day program, she began to feel more at ease. “The diversity and just being around others with situations similar and different to mine helped me become more comfortable,” she shares.
Today, Lauren leads sessions on one of her passions: American Sign Language (ASL). Her interest in ASL began at age ten when she and her sister joined a sign language group that connected them with Deaf individuals and other learners. After six years of active involvement, Lauren became fluent and continues to use the language as an adult.
In the day program, Lauren now hosts weekly ASL groups, teaching participants a skill that opens doors to communication and promotes awareness of the Deaf community. “I just love to inspire other people from my experience and it’s something I want to do in the future,” she says.
Outside of Humanim, Lauren works at her local Wegmans, where she has gained vocational skills, built friendships, and strengthened her independence. For the future, she plans to return to college and earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. With affirmation from Humanim staff and her own resolve, Lauren is confident her goals are within reach.