AH 2023 Annual Report SPREADS - Flipbook - Page 12
Success Stories
At Abbott House, we cultivate a sense of belonging and foster environments
that feel like home.
Each person’s journey is a story of courage and hope - and we’re here to cheer
them on!
Names and photos
have been changed
to protect the identity
of those in care.
Ana is a vibrant and determined 14-year-old girl who was born with a condition that rendered
her unable to walk. She faced immense hardship in her home country, where extreme
poverty and lack of resources meant she had to fully rely on others to get around.
When Ana arrived at Abbott House, our medical team intervened, providing her with a
basic wheelchair. However, given the severity of her condition, they knew a specialized
electric wheelchair could provide her with a pathway to independence.
Our friends at AFYA Foundation answered our call for help. They searched the country
to find a suitable-sized wheelchair that matched Ana’s particular needs - all within 72
hours.
Ana
There was not a dry eye in the room as Ana stretched out her arms to hug each person
repeatedly shouting, “Gracias!” She then began moving the wheelchair up and down
the hallway, practicing her control and smiling ear to ear the entire time. Her younger
brother, who was also in care at Abbott House, cheered on his big sister as she moved
independently for the very first time. He ran to embrace her overwhelmed with joy – a truly
monumental moment in their young lives.
Everyone with a diagnosis of Autism has a unique spectrum of challenges to overcome
and strengths to celebrate. A glimpse into Sam’s journey reveals a student struggling with
his speech, peer-to-peer social interactions, and classroom behaviors. Our social worker
recognized the need for intervention and helped Sam’s moms apply for and secure
services through OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilites), easing the
stress of navigating paperwork while managing her son’s diagnosis on a dayto-day basis. Since gaining access to support services like in-home speech,
occupational and ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy, we have seen a
significant improvement in Sam’s behavior and social skills both in and out
of school. This means more joy, a better quality of life, and a hope-filled
future for this beautiful family.
Sam
Learning to drive is a thrilling rite of passage for many people. For Austin, it meant so
much more. Austin is on the spectrum and currently resides in one of our Individualized
Residence Alternative homes. Getting his driver’s license was not just a goal but the
beginning of a chapter of autonomy and achievement in this young man’s life. After
obtaining a driving manual, Austin studied his heart out, saving every penny from his job
to pay for driving school. When it came time for his road test, Austin did not just
pass – he did so with flying colors – and his Abbott House family was right
there to cheer him on.
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Abbott House
Next on his list – saving for his own car and insurance. It’s all about the
drive to achieve your dreams. Keep going Austin; your independence is
truly inspiring!
