Dear Mr. Greg Bechard,
In my search for an independent living option to address the very significant shortage of appropriate housing for intellectually disabled citizens in our Community, I came across your TIFS program. My son, Tyler MacIntyre, has William’s Syndrome www.caws‐can.org and he is 22 years old. Tyler attended the TIFS program in 2009/2010 and I’m writing to share our success story with you.
The TIFS program was innovative and flexible in helping address Tyler’s specific special needs. The employees at the TIFS program, specifically Tami Schaafsma and Lisa Reitzel, made the whole experience feel like an exciting adventure! Tyler and I had never really been apart and the transition made both of us very emotional and uncomfortable. Tami and Lisa encouraged us when we had trouble separating and were respectful of our thoughts and feelings.
Lisa and Tami sat with us to set goals that were aimed at supporting Tyler in becoming independent in his own home and in the community. They provided an excellent framework and model to assess Tyler’s daily living skills and really took the time to understand our desired future state. Throughout the program, they were quick to respond to my numerous questions and kept me updated on what was working well and what needed improvement. Communication was open and honest and helped me gain a new perspective on what was possible for Tyler.
The goal setting process helped me clarify Tyler’s needs and prioritize realistic and measurable goals. Tami helped us put specific tools in place (picture schedules, cell phone reminders, door prompts, etc.) that Tyler needed to build a routine and I was thrilled when he became comfortable enough, through repetition, to complete some tasks on his own. Tami also provided weekend stay summaries and skill reviews that were extremely useful in measuring Tyler’s progress. These reports helped identify skill gaps so that we were very clear on what support would be needed for Tyler to live independently.
Tyler enjoyed going to the apartment and working with the staff at TIFS and I was pleased the environment mirrored a realistic setting to help prepare him for independent living. I felt safe leaving Tyler with your employees and knew that he was finally being given the opportunity to gain the experiences and skills he needed to live independently as a citizen within the community.
I’m happy to tell you that Tyler moved into his own creative housing option on Nov. 1, 2011! We couldn’t have reached this major milestone in his life without the help, support and guidance of your employees and the TIFS program. You have given our family the gift of hope for a bright future by making this program available and we will be forever grateful. I will be sharing our success story with other parents, business leaders and politicians at every opportunity and I wish you and your exceptional employees continued success with the TIFS Program.
With sincere thanks and gratitude, Chantal and Tyler MacIntyre