Participant David J. retires

Participant David J. retired from the Center. David, who just turned 78, has been at the Center of Hope since he was 16 years old.

Pam Carey, executive director, shared some of her thoughts about David’s retirement and the impact the Center of Hope has on the participants who attend here.

Today we celebrate David. David has decided it is time to retire from attending day services after 62 years. It is quite a remarkable accomplishment that he has attended Barbara Olson School of Hope (aka Center of Hope) for 62 years, as he celebrates his 78^th birthday. This is a perfect example of the importance of services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and how we truly become like family. Staff and individuals are a part of each other’s lives for so many years and through all transitions in life, from the time someone transitions out of school to retirement.

David’s sister stated that their mother once shared “I would not have known what to do without the School of Hope and Center of Hope, giving David a place to go for support rather than just sitting at home”. I think this still stands true for so many individuals. For they are wanting and deserving of inclusive activities and opportunities of choice for their own lives. We are very proud to be able to support families and the individuals they so love for over 77 years!

It is not goodbye, David. I hope to see you soon. You will always be a part of the COH family.