Friendship has a way of making life fuller in ways little else can.
For Matt, friendship and community have transformed his world. These days, when he gets home, he’s brimming with stories to share with his parents, Angela and Calvin. His two days a week at Bethesda’s community inclusion program are filled with activities and laughter, a contrast to the quieter life he had before.
“I get there early and go to Tim Horton’s with my friend, or sometimes by myself,” Matt tells us. Ice capp is his drink of choice. He’ll grab a coffee and come back just in time to start the day.
From there, the next six hours are packed with purpose. The staff consider and select outings and projects that help participants move toward their interests, personal growth and goals. For Matt, this has meant exploring new hobbies, increasing his independence, and gaining confidence in social situations.
On this morning, Matt was heading off to try a new experience—a Zhumba class—with his friends Dillon and Melissa. He wasn’t entirely convinced he’d like it, but reportedly, they all returned thoroughly sweat-y and ‘good-tired’. Taylor, the support worker who accompanied them, laughs and says, “We’re bringing a change of clothes next time!”
Angela and Calvin marvel at his transformation. “I think the biggest change we’ve seen in Matthew is his ability to communicate,” Angela says. “He’s always spoken with us at home, but before, he struggled to express himself to others. Going to camp and community inclusion changed that. Now, he speaks up, and people understand him. It’s huge.”
Matt is curious and involved. Here is helping Jennifer with the van check before heading out to the Zhumba class.
The difference is striking. Once reserved, Matt is now outgoing and effervescent. Taylor calls him ‘their social butterfly”.
He thrives in the friendships he has built at Bethesda. “I have good friends here,” Matt says. “We do stuff and we have fun.” Dawna, the director in Chilliwack, confirms, “Matt brings so much joy to our group. He’s always encouraging others and making them feel included.”
Matt’s inclusion in the Vedder Terrace community has extended beyond attending Crossroads. He frequently drops in, to visit and help out. Taylor describes his impact on others in the community, “He helps Mary-Ann with her housecleaning, he visits the ladies at the nearby Collins Home. They love him there. His big-smile and energy brightens their day.”
Crossroads has helped Matt gain real-world experiences too. “They visit different environments and help him navigate the world,” his dad, Calvin says. “Bethesda is preparing him for adulthood, equipping him with skills and confidence.”
Matt washes the Crossroads Community Inclusion van as well as the Collins Home van. Just another way he enjoys being part of the community.
Looking back, Angela and Calvin reflect on the impact Camp Bethesda had on him; it was a turning point in Matt’s journey. His parents were nervous about sending him for a full week—he had never been away from them before. But the camp counselors’ feedback melted their hearts.
“I remember listening to the counselors say how supportive Matt was of the other campers,” Angela recalls. “He encouraged them to get involved, always staying positive. I thought, ‘Wow, that’s our son making others feel included.’”
Calvin adds, “He’s very social, loves music and dancing. To hear that he was stepping into a leadership role was incredible. Camp gave him an outlet to show a side of himself we hadn’t seen before.”
These days, Matt is excited for the future. He knows he has the support of his friends, his community, and his family. His dad sums it up best: “Everybody wants the best for their child. Bethesda is giving Matt opportunities we couldn’t provide alone. Seeing his abilities flourish and knowing he has hope for the future—it’s more than we could have asked for.”
Watch the video about the impact of Camp Bethesda on Matt and his family. The donation-based camp has gifted Matt with the opportunity to exercise social skills toward making friends and growing his confidence as a young man.
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