Best of All – Patrick
At first glance, Patrick may seem like a quiet observer in the room, but it doesn’t take long to notice the quiet light behind his eyes. His gentle smile and calm presence have a way of speaking volumes, even when words are few. Those who spend time with him quickly learn: Patrick is a young man full of zeal. It’s a steady, patient kind of zeal. The kind that doesn’t rush or shout, but glows with purpose, and over time, that glow has only grown brighter.
Patrick is a dedicated member of our Project Pulse Adult Program, where he’s been participating since 2021 without missing a single session. He’s also participated in the Amina Grace Speech and Language Program, where his growth reminds us of an important truth: everyone learns in their own time, and there is no single path to success.
What Patrick shows us, time and time again, is the power of repeated exposure, consistency, and trust. Whether it’s mastering new movements in Project Pulse or expanding his communication on his AAC device in speech sessions, Patrick has always moved at his own pace and in doing so, he reminds us how beautiful our own pace can be.
When Patrick began his Project Pulse journey, he benefited from hand-under-hand support and verbal prompting to engage with certain moves. While those supports were available when needed, they weren’t forced because we believe that adults, especially adults with disabilities, should have the autonomy to decide how they engage with their world. That trust, the freedom to explore without pressure, is where Patrick found his footing.
Over time, his repertoire has grown beyond what we could have imagined. From his favorite “karate chop” move to the newer “jump over the fence” or rhythmic drum-clap sequences, Patrick’s confidence and awareness have blossomed. His participation is not about perfection – it’s about ownership, independence, and joy.
The volunteers and team members who have witnessed his transformation stand in awe. Not because he was taught every step but because he was given the space to discover them. Patrick reminds us that helping doesn’t always mean doing or directing. Helping sometimes means waiting, watching, and trusting. It means creating a space where someone can shine in their own time, in their own way.
So, as we celebrate Patrick as this month’s Best of All, we honor more than just his progress – we honor his presence. His journey reminds us that growth doesn’t always look loud or fast. Sometimes, it’s quiet, steady, and full of strength. Patrick shows us what’s possible when we trust people to lead in their own way, at their own pace. We celebrate his quiet power, his consistent spirit, and his reminder to all of us that growth isn’t a race – it’s a journey. And what a joy it is to walk alongside Patrick and share in his pace.
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