“Thoughtful, caring, and compassionate“ —these three words consistently describe Junior to everyone who meets him. While his journey has been marked by more hardship than any 18-year-old should ever endure, Junior has navigated every challenge with remarkable resilience, always keeping his kind heart at the forefront.
Junior’s Laradon journey at the Calabrese Youth Center (CYC), Laradon’s 24-hour residential service for teens and young adults in the IDD community, started in 2024. During the first couple of months at the CYC, Junior struggled with impulsiveness. Over time he was able to work hand in hand with the CYC staff to address these behaviors. And, thanks to the unwavering support of the outstanding CYC team, Junior quickly learned to communicate his feelings in respectful and productive ways.
“I think with him being 18, he was ready to go out into the world and start experiencing life on his own accord and by his own rules, though he respected and listened to staff while he was staying at the CYC,” explained CYC Residential Counselor Cheyenne.
After successfully achieving his goals at the CYC, Junior transitioned to Laradon’s Host Home Program, where he was matched with a loving host family.
Since moving in with his Host Home providers, Michael and Pedro, in March, Junior has continued to thrive and flourish in his new home environment. Michael and Pedro decided to become host home providers with Laradon after becoming caretakers for Pedro’s mother. They both possessed a natural knack for nurturing others and knew this is what they wanted to continue doing.
“When Junior first came to us, he was really excited all the time. He would wake up at six o’clock in the morning on Sunday and be ready to start the day,” Michael laughed. “He has relaxed and adapted more to our routine. He is a joy to have around.”
Junior has fit into his new home nicely, enjoying his own space, savoring homecooked Venezuelan food, and playing with all five of their dogs. Now that he has become more comfortable, his true personality has shone through.
“Junior is a loving person and very talkative. He will help Matthew, our other individual that we house, after school by helping unload his lunch bag and helping him transition from Adult Day to home,” Pedro explains.
As the year has gone by, Junior has continued to prepare for life after the Laradon School, with the ultimate hope of someday living independently. But his biggest dream is to become a special education preschool teacher.
“I like working with little kids and helping them out. I am patient which is good when you work with kids,” Junior expressed.
Juniors aspirations of helping other young children with disabilities comes as no surprise to anyone who knows him. His teacher, Graham, has always recognized his intelligence and big heart.
“Junior is a great student. He’s so intelligent, smart, and bright. Truthfully, he’s just very thoughtful for example, when we’re doing activities in class, he’s always helping his peers,” Graham said. “I am not surprised that he wants to work with kids. He would thrive at that.”
Next spring, Junior will graduate from the Laradon School and embark on his next adventure. Graham has high hopes for Junior’s future and believes these goals are attainable, provided Junior stays motivated and continues on this path. He believes someday Junior can hold a job and live independently. To prepare for this next era in his life, Junior will start working on creating job resumes, cover letters, and submitting applications.
As Junior steps into this new chapter, his life becomes a living testament to the power of perseverance and the boundless potential within every individual. To know Junior is to be touched by a unique spirit, reminding us all of the profound impact one thoughtful, caring, and compassionate heart can make.
By: Katey Lewicki, Communications Coordinator
