Family Support - Stories

Family Support – If you know a person with a developmental disability . . . We’ve been there  . . . We can help.

The Flaherty Family's Story
“Discover and Embrace the Potential.”
Tom Flaherty and his wife have three children.  One of them, Katelyn, who’s now two and a half, was diagnosed with Down syndrome “when she was about an hour old,” as Tom recalls.  The news hit him like a ton of bricks.  But along the way, he has learned some things about individuals with Down syndrome.

"They’re just like typical people, individuals with feelings, who experience joy and pain, like being encouraged, and love to be loved. I want my daughter to be accepted for who she is. A beautiful little girl, and just another kid." 

The Taylor Family's Story (Austin Taylor w/photo – family in driveway)
Every time it rained, their dirt driveway turned into mud, and Austin Taylor’s family would have to carry him and his heavy wheelchair down the long driveway to get to the school bus in their rural community.  This went on year after year.  The family accessed the flexible cash assistance funds available for families, and a paved driveway is now making it easier for Austin to get to his bus and access his community.

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The Groeneveld Family's Story
Myrta Groeneveld and her son Tony have been involved with the Family Support Program since 1994.  It was difficult at first, since she spoke no English.  But through her hard work and the support the program provided, Myrta did far more than just learn fluent English.  She found the education and support services that continue to benefit Tony.  She is now married with a loving, blended family in which she takes joy and pride.  And she is now a college graduate, teaching mathematics at two local colleges.

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The Moore Family's Story (Dory and Pat Moore photo)
Pat Moore is a mother to four children. Her daughter Dory, now seventeen, was born with cerebral palsy as well as autism. Dory’s developmental disabilities led to Pat’s involvement with the GAAAFSN Program of the Family Support Division as the Program Manager.

Together, mother and daughter have shared many successes as a result of their connection to the program. Currently, Dory attends Athol High School and is a member of the chorus, an after-school teen club, Best Buddies, Pride, and Peer Educators. She is also an accomplished equestrienne.

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The Lin Family's Story (Lin Family Photo)
Hui-Ling Lin has discovered, in MFAA, something that she had not been able to find on her own.  She’s discovered a place where she can meet with other families of children with developmental disabilities who are from a variety of cultures, share experiences, and gain greater understanding of the challenges her young son Eric is facing.

“I enjoy being part of MFAA because I can meet with other parents and make friends.  I feel that I am not alone.”

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The Ciszewski Family's Story (Molly Ciszewski photo)
Molly Ciszewski developed strong decision-making skills through the Youth Self-Advocacy Club.  Now a high school graduate, she enjoys the income and sense of accomplishment at her job at a large Springfield insurance company. She continues to take control of career, social, and health care choices, moving toward her vision of her future.

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