Progress for 100 Dominican kids with special needs

In the Dominican many children have two first names and even than there are a lot of children with the same names, even in our program.  Today I present you with the story of one of them:  ANGEL GABRIEL.  He tells his story himself. 

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I  have been part of the Community Inclusion program in the Pekin neighborhood for 2 years.  We meet two aftenoons per week.  At first I spent the entire afternoon sitting and just listening and obeying. I didn't know how to read or write or interact with the others of my group,  but now it's totally the opposite:

I  can read and write, work as part of a team, help organize our workspace, ask for help if necessary, take turns playing Dominoes, Trouble or Memory.  I also create my own simple jokes and enjoy socializing with the rest of the group and the other groups, I can add, subtract and multiply. At home I help out more: I do the dishes, make my bed, pick up the trash, play with my cousins and help my younger brother program his cartoons on television.  Thanks to my family and the FCID team I completed all the achievements on the Portage checklist.

I always think that something funny will happen every day, I don't know what, but it will happen.  I will continue practicing my gift as an actor, I have already given my first performance in the Christmas drama!

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This is just one example of how a young person with developmental challenges is able to change, if we present the correct environment and stimulation.  We run 4 of these groups with a total of 22 adolescents and young adults living with disabilities.

I just wanted to share Angel Gabriel's progress with you and thank you again for your continuous support to our programs!!

Very much appreciated!