From Troubled to Triumphant
As a quiet, awkward 16-year-old boy, Michael was an easy target for school bullies — they assaulted him on the bus, stole his CDs and Walkman, and generally made life miserable. Everything changed for Michael when the ViaQuest Foundation’s PGA professional Derek Kinzer enrolled him in the Golf & Life Skills program. Throughout the snowy winter months, Derek and Michael practiced the basics in Michael’s living room to get ready for the greens in time for spring. He was a natural and quickly fell in love with the sport. Just 18 short months after putting in his living room, Michael competed in the regional Special Olympics and won a gold medal. This qualified him for state level, where he also captured the gold. A year later, Michael repeated the feat.
In just three short years, Michael went from a troubled teen to a self-assured and successful young man with a special talent. Last spring, Michael obtained his greatest prize, his high school diploma. On the heels of this great accomplishment, Michael is gainfully employed, has moved out of his group home and now resides in an independent living facility.
Memories to Last a Lifetime
For three Columbus area high school seniors residing in a group home for teens with special needs, spring was a time of anticipation and excitement. Not only were Alexia, Jennifer, and Shelly eager to get their diplomas, but they were also busy preparing for their prom.
Less than a week before their prom, disaster struck. Jennifer contracted lice. The group home was quarantined for a week, and Jennifer and her roommates were ordered to shave their heads. The girls were so upset — they had to shave their heads and miss their prom.
After hearing their heartbreaking story, the ViaQuest Foundation knew that they needed to give these girls their special night. They set to work getting a DJ, food and decorations. As dance preparations took place, the Foundation discovered that many high schoolers with intellectual, emotional, behavioral challenges miss or skip their own prom. With renewed vigor, everyone worked harder to make the event a huge success.
A few short weeks later, the first annual ViaQuest Foundation Prom for young adults with special needs took place. The night of the big dance, everyone had the time of their lives. They danced and dined together as cameras flashed throughout the gym, smiles plastered on their faces.
That night, a potentially devastating event was transformed into one that will create a lifetime of memories for Alexia, Jennifer, Shelly and many other young adults with special needs in our community
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