For Kevin Hughes, 31, attending The Arc Jacksonville’s Social Opportunity and Recreation (SOAR) program was a turning point in his life.
Kevin was born with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities. When Kevin lost his mother his primary caregiver in 2016 he moved to Jacksonville to live with his sister. These significant life changes caused Kevin to become withdrawn.
The SOAR program made a huge difference in not only Kevin’s life, but in his family’s life.
His sister, Kimberly, shares, Kevin began attending The Arc SOAR program in August 2016. It has made such a difference. He now has something to look forward to. He enjoys having a place to meet and visit friends. The day before work, he gets up and makes his lunch and picks out his clothes. Kevin is more outgoing. When he gets home, he tells us about his day. He evens calls family to let them know about his field trips or that he had coffee on Friday. He now shows an interest in current affairs and will even help around the house sometimes. Kevin has said that he is glad that he was born so that he can now do new things. The staff with the program has been nothing short of amazing. They have showed kindness and patience with him. I could not ask for more caring people to help him.
The success of the SOAR program can’t be measured. It is a place of love and laughter. A place of refuge and hope for many people. For that my family and I will be forever grateful.