Meet Kenny – A Fine Young Man!
8:30 AM – Kenny Fine and his dad arrive at Community Fusion. The routine is the same every day—no questions asked – that’s the way he likes it! They get to the program, check out the schedule, work on a personal goal with friends, and then, BORN IN THE USA, I WAS BORN IN THE USA ♫– Kenny puts in his headphones. It’s going to be a Bruce Springsteen kind of day!
9:30 AM – Kenny heads out for the morning. He’s got his routine down, just like the beat of his favorite songs. Today, they’re going to the library.
Your support ensures that participants like Kenny are able to explore new places and enjoy activities that enrich their lives.
At the library, Kenny walks around, looking at the shelves. He points out a book about the beach—his favorite. Trista Fite, a Community Participation Instructor, starts reading aloud to the group. 
“He won’t say he likes it, but he won’t let you change it,” says Trista. “Choice is important to Kenny, and he shows us what he wants to do, even if he communicates it in different ways.”
I’M TEN YEARS BURNING DOWN THE ROAD; NOWHERE TO RUN AIN’T GOT NOWHERE TO GO ♫– Kenny keeps one headphone in at the library; he gets his love for 80’s rock from his parents.
Kenny’s iPod has an app called Proloquo, which helps him communicate by turning symbols or text into speech. Kenny has been using the iPod since he was young, and even though technology has changed over the years, he still prefers the iPod—it’s what he’s most comfortable with and it’s got his tunes! “He always carries it with him. We encourage him to use his ‘voice’, but we can also understand him through his gestures. We even use some sign language to communicate,” says Candy Waggoner, a Program Specialist at Community Fusion. “There’s so much more to Kenny than you might think. He’s one of the greatest guys to work with.”
11:30 AM – It’s time for lunch! On the way back to the program, Kenny takes out his headphones and points toward a local park, showing that he wishes it were warm enough to have a picnic. Kenny looks out the window, but there’s still snow on the ground in Pennsylvania. He’s definitely a summer person.
BORN IN THE USA, I WAS BORN IN THE USA ♫ – Kenny’s enjoying his music!
12:30 PM – Back out in the community! A big goal of Community Fusion is to help people get involved in their communities through volunteering, recreational activities and learning new skills. They also encourage independence and friendships in a fun and supportive way.
Candy says, “Our job is to connect with each person in their own way,” as she works on planning activities that will be a good fit for everyone. Thanks to you, Community Fusion can create meaningful activities that help Kenny build independence, make new friends, and learn important life skills both in and outside of the program.
2:00 PM – This afternoon, Kenny and other participants head to Lighthouse Church to do some volunteer work. They help clean by vacuuming and wiping down the seats. Volunteering is a key part of Community Fusion, as it helps create meaningful connections in the community and challenge stereotypes about people with disabilities.
3:30 PM – Back at Community Fusion, Kenny settles into his routine once more. A few more personal goals, a quick chat with friends, and before long, his mom is pulling up outside. With one last fist bump to a staff member, he slips his headphones back on.
BORN IN THE U.S.A.; I WAS BORN IN THE U.S.A. ♫
PS: Thanks to you, days like these are filled with connection, purpose, and, of course, Bruce Springsteen. Consider making a donation today to help create more moments like this for Kenny and others!
