Meet Our Rock Stars

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Elizabeth has been eager to understand her diagnosis of Autism and what it will mean for her as she grows up. With the help of her Behavioral Therapist, Elizabeth was able to connect with an adult with an Autism diagnosis. Elizabeth is typically shy, but she had an amazing Q&A session and was very social. Elizabeth was able to see that her life can and will continue to be beautiful and successful, despite the struggles she may face. Her parents and all her therapists are so proud of her for having such a positive interaction and being such an inspiration to others. Elizabeth turns 10 years old this month and is hopeful that one day she will be a Veterinarian, Doctor, or a Fashion Designer. Thank you for sharing with us Elizabeth!  

  Kerrigan has been working with her mom and Behavioral Therapist on expanding her photography skills. One of Kerrigan’s favorite things to do is go to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and capture images of her favorite animals. Here are a few recent shots photographed by Kerrigan! Kerrigan shared that she enjoys sending pictures of animals because it brightens up people's day.   Beautiful pictures Kerrigan!

Ryan was recently featured with Stone Belt's Project Search Indiana where he is learning new job skills. He participated in two weeks of job readiness classes and is now placed in his first internship at Ivy Tech. He has really enjoyed the classes and learning about the opportunities. He will get to rotate through Stonebelt, Ivy Tech, Cook Medical, Upland Brewery and the Monroe County Humane Association for internships over an 8 month program. Ryan is getting to meet new friends and make connections in the community.  Way to go Ryan!

 Michael is standing in front of the truck he is buying from his dad after reaching his goal to get his driver’s license! He also recently got a full-time job after working at his part-time job for a couple years! Michael works hard and spends some of his free time helping others. He mows grass at his church, for family and neighbors, and serves in the Knights of Columbus.  Congratulations on your accomplishments Michael! 

Justin just started his senior year in high school. On his first day at school he found out that he was accepted to the International Business College Vet Tech Institute in Indianapolis. He currently needs two more classes to graduate, so he will be able to volunteer at the local shelter a lot this year in preparation for his college experience. When he finishes his 18 month program he will be a certified vet tech! Congratulations Justin! 

 Jessica is a young woman on the autism spectrum who learned to do beading during her Project Search internship her last year of high school. The Project Search team received a Creative Classroom grant from Lawrence Township Education Foundation to make Meditation Beads for Community Hospital North. Out of all the Project Search interns at the time, she was chosen to work on this project. During the internship, over 180 bracelets were given to patients at Community Hospital North Cancer Center. The project was then expanded, and bracelets were given to all Lawrence Township bus drivers and transportation staff following the tragic death of Amy Beverland Elementary principal, Mrs. Susan Jordan. At the end of the internship, Jess and her instructor created her own Etsy Page as a way for her to continue what she had learned. Jess has continued making bracelets at home and has added lots of new items to her collection such as earrings, rosary beads, keychains, bookmarks and even facemask lanyards! She loves coming up with new designs and posting them before the next holiday is coming, so that her customers can show off her designs in spirited fashion! Jessica is very proud of her work and appreciates all of the support that has been shown to her! Please “like” Designer Beads by Jess on Facebook and Instagram and check out her Etsy shop for more information on her amazing talents!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designerbeadsbyjess
Instagram: https:/www.instagram.com/designerbeadsbyjess
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignerBeadsByJess 

Andrew recently received his Technical Certificate in Software Development from Ivy Tech Community College. He is currently working towards his Associates Degree. Andrew is a valued employee at his local grocery store, active in Special Olympics, and recently received his learner's permit to work toward getting his driver's license. He is a wonderful friend and advocate for others. He does a great job of balancing his very full schedule. 

 Joe's family planned a trip to Disney World. This trip consisted of 12 family members and lifelong family friends who gathered from all over the United States to spend 4 days at Disney with Joe! Joe set personal goals to increase his strength and endurance to prepare for the trip by walking laps in the therapy pool daily. Joe was thrilled to meet Mickey, Ariel and King Triton. His favorite ride was the Rock N Roll Rollercoaster at Hollywood Studios. Joe’s favorite activity was dinner and a live Polka band at The Biergarten at Epcot. There, Joe danced and sang the night away while enjoying a dinner show and traditional German eats, and celebrating his family’s heritage. We are thrilled Joe was able to fulfill one of his dreams! 

Christopher is very talented with building things and mechanical/electrical tasks. His mom recently stated that she needed something to hold her ribbons in her craft room. Christopher asked her to describe it and then told her the things he would need to build it for her. She bought the items, and he built her the ribbon holder! Christopher enjoys helping his dad re-wire electrical outlets and doing things like wiring and installing their dishwasher. He is really great with tasks like this. He was recently on the prop crew of a play at school building props! Way to go Christopher! 

  Ned recently helped out with a training for the Bureau of Quality Improvement Services to share with others about what his good life looks like and the things that are important to him and for others to know! Ned very much values self-advocacy and chooses to do things that HE WANTS to do each day. Ned has a positive outlook on life that he loves to share with others and share his knowledge of how we can choose to live and drive our own life.
Check out his interview: https://youtu.be/NEXwxREWpYU