When Michael first came to live with us, he was a quiet little boy who had already been through more than most children his age. He didn't have much social interaction, spoke very little, and clung tightly to my side. Kindergarten was hard, and it was clear he needed extra support. That’s when we were introduced to Dream Center Academy (DCA).

From that very first year, DCA became part of his daily routine, and with his autism, routine is important. Slowly, we began to see changes. His social skills improved 100-fold and he learned how to interact with others. His natural positivity began to shine through. Anytime I'm down, he comforts me, always turning situations into something hopeful. He doesn’t see himself as “different”; he just knows he’s Michael, and he is genuine through and through.

One of the biggest changes has been watching him feel accepted. At DCA, he is included, encouraged, and celebrated. He connected deeply with Ms. Hannah, and over the years he’s grown more self-assured, more willing to try, and even learning to laugh along the way. Right now, he’s working on something new - being okay with losing, especially at Horseshoes, ha! It’s not easy, but every day he’s learning, growing, and taking one more step forward.

Michael has faced challenges: being blind in one eye, working through emotional ups and downs, and even moments of being bullied. But he walks through each obstacle with a smile, a sense of humor, and a spirit that inspires me every day. 

Michael has been in DCA for five years, and for us, our seed of hope has been watching Michael be accepted fully and joyfully, just as he is.