Since Ray Graham Association serves nearly 2,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, there are literally 2,000 stories of lives changed, skills gained, independence fostered and so much more that we could share with you.
Each of the individuals and their families that Ray Graham Association serves have stories of successes, advancements and growth to tell.
And we too have something to learn from these very special and unique individuals we have the pleasure of working with every day.
We’d like you to meet a few of these individuals and hear their stories.
Meet Richard
Ever since he was a child, Richard had a dream that might seem simple to many of us, but to him, felt impossible. “I’ve always hoped that I’d be able to find someone to love, and who loved me back.”
Richard depended on his mother for daily support and lived with her in a comfortable condominium. His brother Philip was a frequent visitor, and checked in with Richard daily. Richard loved his family and knew he was fortunate to have their support, but still held on to his dream.
Richard attended day programming at Ray Graham Association. He enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with his friends and learn new skills. Mostly, he liked spending time with Diane.
Diane and Richard hit it off as soon as they met. Diane lived in a Ray Graham Association CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) home with several other women and, like Richard, attended a Community Learning Center during the day.
Not long after they met, tragedy struck – Richard’s mother died.
He lost not only his mother, but his biggest source of support. When it looked like Richard may not be able to keep his home because of his need for assistance, Ray Graham Association stepped in and petitioned the state for emergency funding to allow Richard to continue to live in his home and receive intermittent residential supports through the Community Living Resources program.
Now, rather than having to leave his friends, community and home at this difficult time, Richard was able to stay connected to his remaining support networks, and begin a new chapter in his life.
During this time, his friendship with Diane turned into something much stronger; and for the first time in his life, he was beginning to think his dream might be possible. Richard and Diane began spending more time together and their relationship blossomed.
They appreciated that the staff assisted them in acquiring additional learning skills. However, one of the biggest obstacles facing Diane was her need to learn how to independently administer her own medications, in order to move out of the CILA home.
With help from staff and her own determination, Diane was able to conquer this challenge and, at age 70, for the first time in her life she could manage her own medications.
At a point where many people are looking back and reflecting on their lives, Richard and Diane are looking ahead.
They attend the Main Street Community Learning Center, and have supported each other through numerous health challenges and visit frequently with their family and many friends.
Ray Graham staff provides regular support to help Richard and Diane maintain their existence, attend medical appointments and pursue their many interests in the community.
“I feel like I’m the luckiest person because I get to see my best friend every day,” Diane recently said. “No one should feel bad for us because we have a disability,” Richard added. “We’ve got each other, a nice home and staff to help us when we need it. A lot of people our age have to leave their home because they need help, but we know we never will.”
Meet Percy & His Parents
Percy recently moved from his family home into a Ray Graham Association-supported residential setting.
Percy’s father described the family’s situation this way:
“I am eighty years old and my wife is seventy-eight. In the past few years, my wife and I have had multiple health issues; my wife had cancer and debilitating arthritis. I was then diagnosed with cancer as well. My wife cannot drive very far due to eyesight complications from cancer.
Ray Graham Association was able to move Percy to a Day Program location closer to our home that they could provide transportation to – this was a great help. A few weeks ago, Percy visited Sunrise Court in Roselle and loved it!
Ray Graham Association worked hard to get Percy into Sunrise Court and worked with us to do what was best for our family, especially Percy.
He has made new friends and the staff has shown us that they can provide the supports he requires.
Percy is a very important part of our life and we know that we need Percy in a safe place that can assist him at this time in his life.
We are very grateful for all that Ray Graham Association has done.”
Meet David
David was court-appointed to the Specialized Living Center (SLC) in Addison due to his dependence on insulin and inability to maintain a healthy diabetic diet.
David and the SLC Team created a program to help him better understand his diabetes diagnosis and the care required to get healthier. And the results have been dramatic: he is no longer insulin-dependent and can now move into a less restrictive, more independent environment.
As a result, David’s social life has improved as well. During David’s stay at the SLC, he was given the opportunity to integrate into different living environments and make new friends that he now visits weekly, in addition to volunteering at a local PADS program, an organization that works with homeless people in DuPage County.
