 June 2005
Nathan has been very busy with his volunteer work through the SUCCESS Day Program
and his activities with his friends and brothers in the First Step Supported
Living Program. During the day program Nathan especially enjoys the outdoor
volunteer work and the tasks that involve animal care. Nathan can be especially
gentle and kind with baby animals.
Once a month Nathan goes out to eat and to the movies with his older brothers
and a few friends. Nathan looks forward to these activities especially when he
gets to hang out with his dad. Nathan likes trying new restaurants and selecting
his favorite movie snacks. Nathan also enjoys attending all of the birthday and
holiday parties thrown by his family and friends. Nathan has really grown
socially over the past few years. In the past he was much more of a loner and
had anxiety about getting together with family and friends. Now Nathan not only
loves a good party but often requests to go.
In his free time Nathan enjoys gardening and doing jigsaw puzzles. Nathan also
loves getting together to play video games with his biological brother, Kyle.
Nathan continues to amaze us and he progresses in his appropriate behavior,
social and communication skills.
 
 
Nathan & Kyle '05
Nathan and his biological brothers
Nathan (24) is looking forward to an
up-coming trip he has planned. Nathan and some of his older brother along with a
few of their friends are planning a vacation in Las Vegas. Nathan enjoys the
five hour drive to Nevada and is especially looking forward attending some of
the famous magic shows on the Strip. Nathan is working hard to save some money
so he can hang out at the arcades and try out some new buffets!
Nathan is also a member of the SUCCESS Day
Program. Nathan’s communication has really improved since having the opportunity
to hang out with other Deaf adults in this program. This summer Nathan was also
able to attend a camp for the Deaf. The more Nathan is exposed to the Deaf
community the more his signing skills are improving. We are so happy to see such
positive growth with our son.
Nathan enjoys working at the Westminster High School farm,
where he is able to care for the animals and tend to a large vegetable
garden. He is raising baby goats and has been quite responsible in caring for
them.
Nathan also enjoys working out at the local gym
and attending classes at Golden West College. Nathan has really settled into
his routine and says he enjoys being an adult.
 Some
updates on Nathan's activities with the SUCCESS Day Program.
Here is Nathan at the Midway City Community Center using his new gardening
tools. Together with other members of his day program, Nathan used his gloves
and tools to help to plant flowers as a donation to Midway City Community
Center. Nathan has been volunteering for the center for close to two years
delivering meals to the elderly each week. He has attended trainings on meal
delivery and health standards. Nathan warmly greets each of the elderly at
delivery. For many of the elderly, this is their only visitor of the day.
 After
receiving an invitation from the center to come and attend the centers spring
egg hunt, Nathan and other volunteers thought it would be nice to add a little
color to the grounds. Since the center has been so supportive of Nathan and his
peers, it was a nice way to show his appreciation. Sterling
Nursery donated five flats of flowers and herbs for the project.
Nathan was thrilled to use his tools to plant many of the flowers- ranging from
euryops, to gerberas and fuchsias. Nathan dug out dead plant and made room for
the new. He also shared with his peers and taught them how to plant. With help
from his support staff, Nathan even replaced several of the broken sprinkler
heads to make sure his new plants would get water. Nathan was visibly proud of
his work.
 As
you can see from the photos, everyone had a terrific time. It really means a lot
to Nathan to contribute to his community in a positive way. Midway City
Community Center was very pleased and excited about the extra time and care
Nathan had put in.
by Wendy McLean
SUCCESS DAY PROGRAM
 
 
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