Because of his medical condition, Jim (not his real name), a 47-year-old husband and father of two, had not left his house for almost 3 years.
He had been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. He was feeding from a tube while his cognitive and social skills were deteriorating. Jim was also isolating himself from his family. Due to Jim’s special medical needs, a United Way funded program called Daytimers was the only daycare facility in the area that he could attend.
Since enrolling in the program, he has been taking speech therapy classes and is showing considerable improvement. Jim is even able to eat a full lunch when spending the day at Daytimers.
He now actively participates in exercises, music appreciation and word games. At home, he is more motivated to complete his own personal care needs and is participating more in daily activities with his family. Jim and his wife had the added benefit of transportation being provided.
His wife is very appreciative of the United Way sponsored program. “It has been a long time since I have seen any improvement,” she said. “His involvement in Daytimers has been very good for him and the family. Now I know he is in good hands while I am at work. The children enjoy having him more involved at home.”
Without your support through United Way, the Daytimers program would be hard-pressed to provide this service, and many people with disabilities and their families would not be able to benefit from this life-improving program.
Print-friendly page