Looking back, I remember all the times announcements were made after mass inviting the youth in the parish to join the youth group. I used to look at Tre and imagine him in the youth group, but I was always concerned that there would be activities during the youth sessions that he would find difficult. I knew that he would require support throughout.

Time went by and in 2020 I was contacted by Andrea to attend an information session regarding the Personal Advocacy Program.

I had not known about the Personal Advocacy Program till then. While listening to the speaker and watching videos on what the program involved, I had feelings of joy and excitement as I was thinking of Tre and realizing that this was the program for him. At the meeting were ladies and a gentleman who had come forward to volunteer to support Tre and other participants who were yet to enroll in the program. I could already sense their dedication and commitment to the program that they were about to be involved in.

I walked away very happy and could not wait to share this news with Tre and my family.

I immediately enrolled Tre, and it has been 4 years now since he joined his Personal Advocacy group.  He gets on very well with his Advocate Georgina, and the rest of the group members. He is much more outspoken now and is at ease within the group.

Tre looks forward to attending the Tuesday evening sessions. He has built good relationships with all the friends and advocates in the group, and he feels comfortable expressing and sharing with the group. The friends in the group are given a chance to express what their interests are for example if they are having a social event, the advocates ensure that all the friends are happy with the activities chosen. He loves to attend social functions as he feels more confident in socializing. This also allows him to meet friends from other parishes. He has become very confident and has shown this in his active participation in the Adapted Liturgy masses. Watching him participate in the Adapted Liturgy is always a special and proud moment for us as parents.

We as parents feel that the spiritual component of the program is very important for Tre, and we remind him to keep God in his life by talking to him and praying to him in his special way. We encourage other parents to enroll in the program or give it a try, we believe it is one of the best decisions we have made for him.

Thank you to the Personal Advocacy Program for your kindness, compassion, and commitment to this program. We are truly grateful that our son can be himself in an environment with people who are understanding, and who continue to encourage him and support him on his faith journey.

God bless you all.

Mercy V