Joe joined Kaleidoscope shortly after high school and has been loving it ever since. As someone who loves staying busy, Kaleidoscope has given Joe exactly what he needs through community outings, interest-based activities and opportunities to try new things. We spoke with Joe’s dad, Eric, to learn more about how the program has impacted their whole family.
As Joe’s dad, how have you seen Kaleidoscope directly impact him?
Eric: Well, he loves it. He always wants to be on the go. He’s made a lot of friends there, so it’s really supported him having a healthy social life. He’s doing something different all the time, and there’s some new place to go or new activity to do.
You mentioned Joe lives part-time at Sunflower Hill. How does he like it?
Eric: He stays there four nights a week with his full-time aide, Isabelle. So does his older brother, and they both love it. Like Kaleidoscope, they always have something going on, which really appeals to him and he takes advantage of all the great activities they offer.
Do you find programs like Kaleidoscope and Sunflower Hill have provided you and your family with some relief knowing Joe has a fun and engaging place to go?
Eric: Oh, it’s a total game changer for us, I can’t even begin to explain. Just knowing Joe’s being taken care of and he’s somewhere that he enjoys, it’s nice because it allows us to do things like help out my 90-year-old mother, or friends will call on a Friday or Saturday night to invite us out, and for the first time ever we can look at each other and say we can actually go.
What would you say to a family like yours who hasn’t heard of a place like Kaleidoscope?
Eric: I would say to absolutely get your child or loved one involved. It’s such a blessing for all of us. The thing that always kept me awake at night was the thought, ‘What’s going to happen when we’re gone? Who’s going to take care of him?’ So now that he’s got Kaleidoscope and Sunflower Hill, it’s such a relief for us. He’s going to be better than okay; he’ll do great.
