Success Stories and Testimonials

Mike Mike Housman has participated in the Day Services Program For Adults at Evansville ARC for more than two years. He immediately showed interest in becoming involved in community activities, and started volunteering at various sites through Evansville ARC’s Connections For Life Program. With Mike’s gregarious personality and love of children, volunteering in St. Benedict Catholic school cafeteria was a perfect fit. Within a few short months, Mike built genuine relationships with the cafeteria staff, teachers, and the children.

As these relationships began to blossom, Mike became more and more independent at his job duties, including serving food, washing the trays, and washing off the tables. As a result of his growing independence and wonderful rapport with everyone at St. Benedict’s, Mike was offered a paid cafeteria assistant position. He now works in the cafeteria two days a week and volunteers in the cafeteria an additional three days per week.

In addition, Mike has always had a devastating fear of tall ceilings which made it impossible for him to attend weekly mass even though he expressed a deep desire to do so. With patience and grace, the Evansville ARC staff gradually brought Mike closer to the St. Benedict Cathedral every week. Through the trust building process among Mike, our staff, and the members of St. Benedict’s congregation, Mike has now conquered his fears of tall ceilings and attends mass every week. Through his participation in Evansville ARC's Day Services Program For Adults and Connections For Life programs, Mike has gained not only a paid job, but also has become a valued member of St. Benedict’s school and church community.

“Evansville ARC has provided a safe and friendly environment for our son Brad. He has made many new friends and has improved his communication skills through sign language. He also participates in Person-Centered Planning where people who love and care about him can work together and brainstorm ways to enrich his life in the community.”
– Karen Hinderliter,
Brad's Mother



	Success Stories and Testimonials Mike Housman has participated in the Day Services Program For Adults at Evansville ARC for more than two years. He immediately showed interest in becoming involved in community activities, and started volunteering at various sites through Evansville ARC’s Connections For Life Program. With Mike’s gregarious personality and love of children, volunteering in St. Benedict Catholic school cafeteria was a perfect fit. Within a few short months, Mike built genuine relationships with the cafeteria staff, teachers, and the children. As these relationships began to blossom, Mike became more and more independent at his job duties, including serving food, washing the trays, and washing off the tables. As a result of his growing independence and wonderful rapport with everyone at St. Benedict’s, Mike was offered a paid cafeteria assistant position. He now works in the cafeteria two days a week and volunteers in the cafeteria an additional three days per week. In addition, Mike has always had a devastating fear of tall ceilings which made it impossible for him to attend weekly mass even though he expressed a deep desire to do so. With patience and grace, the Evansville ARC staff gradually brought Mike closer to the St. Benedict Cathedral every week. Through the trust building process among Mike, our staff, and the members of St. Benedict’s congregation, Mike has now conquered his fears of tall ceilings and attends mass every week. Through his participation in Evansville ARC's Day Services Program For Adults and Connections For Life programs, Mike has gained not only a paid job, but also has become a valued member of St. Benedict’s school and church community. “Evansville ARC has provided a safe and friendly environment for our son Brad. He has made many new friends and has improved his communication skills through sign language. He also participates in Person-Centered Planning where people who love and care about him can work together and brainstorm ways to enrich his life in the community.” – Karen Hinderliter, Brad's Mother