Anyone who meets Matt will quickly discover his passion for helping others, and his membership in Curative Care Network’s Adult Day program has given him many opportunities to do so. “I just want to help people who are less fortunate than me,” said Matt.
The Adult Day program, supported in part by donations to United Way’s Community Fund, provides engaging and meaningful activities that promote independence and community integration for adults with developmental disabilities.
Matt, who has autism, has found a great community of support at Curative. Here, he gets to socialize with other members, volunteer, and learn valuable leadership skills.
Matt is president of the Aktion Club, a partnership program between Curative and Kiwanis that connects adults with disabilities to opportunities to volunteer. Each year, Matt leads the group in hosting a plant sale, with proceeds benefiting Children’s charities. The group also volunteers annually at State Fair and other local events.
“Matt is a helper,” said Curative Program Specialist Dawn Schicker-Miller. “He is always first to raise his hand to help with important tasks. He likes to stay busy!”
The transition from school to adult life is not always easy for individuals with disabilities and their families. After having ongoing support throughout his school years, Curative was the perfect place for Matt to continue to grow and thrive as an adult.
In fact, the soft employment skills he learned at Curative recently helped him land a job at Qdoba. “I love my job!” said Matt. “I like the people I work with, get a discount on lunch, and get paid!”
Now 28, Matt has found purpose and is excited about the future. Inspired by the hard work of his family and those around him, Matt’s dream is to one day buy a home of his own. In the meantime, he will continue to be a regular at Curative’s Adult Day program, where he puts a smile on the face of everyone he meets.
“I love the life I’m living,” said Matt. “I can’t wait to see where it goes next!”
Matt and Curative Care Network remind us all that to live better, we must Live United. Consider supporting this important work with a donation to United Way’s Community Fund.
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