“Tyler’s” Story

“Tyler” was just 15 years old when he first arrived at Wedgwood for Residential Care.

And his first fifteen years had not been easy, they were filled with more challenges and heartache than most experience in an entire lifetime.

He was born with cognitive challenges, which impact his emotional and behavioral abilities. His family struggled to provide him with the care and support he needed. Amid these challenges, the two people Tyler depended on most, his parents, passed away.  He was devastated, but his grandmother was able to care for him for a while. But as Tyler grew, his emotions and behaviors did, as well – to the point that it was decided that his grandmother  was not the right person to raise Tyler. They began to look at out of home placements that could provide better support for Tyler’s needs. Then the unthinkable happened – Tyler lost his grandmother as well.

So when Tyler arrived at Wedgwood Christian Services, he was angry.

 

He didn’t trust anyone because his traumatic childhood had made him believe that people would ultimately let him down or leave him. He was prone to big, sometimes destructive, outbursts because of his behavioral challenges and not knowing how to process his emotions. His life had lacked the stability children need to thrive.

But Wedgwood is full of exceptional people who know just how to make children like Tyler feel safe.

 

Tyler’s transition into Wedgwood’s Residential Care was not a particularly smooth one.

Adjusting to new environments was never something that came easily to ‘Tyler’, especially paired with his anger and distrust of people, which was amplified by the loss of three family members, and his cognitive challenges that impact his emotions and behavior.

To be honest, Tyler’s behaviors could be pretty intense. When he got frustrated or upset he would throw things or get physical with the staff members. Tyler’s size, strength, and big emotions could create some intimidating situations. There was even some concern if Tyler was going to be successful at Wedgwood.

But the team knew they could provide the care and love he needed. They never gave up on Tyler.

 

After some time, Tyler began to realize that the people caring for him at Wedgwood kept showing up.  Even when he got upset with them, they came back the next day ready and willing to invest in him. He experienced grace, compassion, and patience for the first time in his life.

He was starting to participate in individual and group therapy, and occupational therapy. He was slowly building community and friendship through therapeutic activities. He received focused educational support. His needs were finally being fully met.

Even with this encouraging progress, Tyler’s future beyond Wedgwood’s care was still uncertain.

 

He was making great progress in therapy. He was able to communicate his feelings and the time between big outbursts was getting longer and longer. As they thought about Tyler’s future, the team wanted to make sure he was prepared for a successful life, and got him connected to Wedgwood’s Employment Training Program.

After Tyler successfully applied and interviewed to be a part of Wedgwood’s Employment Training Program (ETP), he began working and learning all kinds of life and job skills. He particularly enjoyed lawn care jobs. Very quickly the Residential Care staff noticed the impact Tyler’s participation in ETP had on him.

He was more confident and proud of himself. He was discovering who God created him to be.

 

Around this time Tyler also got connected to a mentor. His employment in Wedgwood’s ETP and the relationship with his mentor allowed him to experience the concepts he was talking about in his therapy for real. He could use his coping skills at work, he understood what healthy relationships should look like, and he felt loved.

After 3 years in Wedgwood’s Residential Care, Tyler transitioned back to his community.

 

His care team and family determined that an adult foster care placement was best for Tyler. He continues to grow into an impressive young man. He has a job that he enjoys and loves contributing to his community. His mentor remains an active part of his life and considers him a cherished part of their family.

 

“The staff  at Wedgwood helped me learn responsibility, and that people love and care for me,” said Tyler.

 

In a recent conversation with Tyler, he shared that he is happy, and loves fishing and going to church with is mentor. He’s also quite proud of the coping skills and work ethic he learned while in Wedgwood’s care.

Thousands of children, just like Tyler, have experienced the hope that Wedgwood’s continuum of care provides. Because of you, children, families, and our communities can access support and services that are full of grace, breaking generational cycles and transforming lives.