Drew is a 31 year old man. He is enthusiastic, sensitive, caring, empathetic, and very smart. He just bought his own brand new condo. He swims, lifts weights, curls, juggles, travels, spends time with friends, and works part-time. He also has autism.
When Drew was a child he liked to be alone, he didn't have any friends, and he didn't know how to make friends. When his parents had people over Drew would hide in his bedroom until they left. As a teenager and young adult, Drew still did not have any friends. He still lived with his Mom. When his family traveled, Drew either went with them or someone was hired to stay at home with him. as he is an only child, Drew's Mom wondered what would happen to her son when she was no longer able to be there for him. When Drew's Mom heard of personal support networks, she knew that some day her son would have one.
In 1997, when he was 25, Drew's Mom joined Lifetime Networks Victoria and a Network was started for Drew. She knew it could be slow going at first, but she was prepared to wait. Within a year, Drew had 6 members in his Network. His personality slowly began to change. Drew grew in confidence and he became curious about other people and what made them happy. Drew remembered the birthdays of his Network friends and surprised them with presents and cards. Drew looked forward to and enjoyed the time he spent with his Network members. His quality of life improved dramatically. By going out and spending time with his Network members, Drew met new people who also wanted to join his network. Drew's Network grew, as did he.
By 1998, Drew and his family began talking about Drew moving out on his own. a short time later this became a reality. With everyone's support, Drew moved into his own place. His Network members called and visited Drew frequently to ensure he was doing well. Drew became a very busy guy. In addition to working part-time, he began working out in the morning with members of his Network, and he swam on 3 different swim teams. One Network member introduced him to curling. Drew loved it so much he joined a curling team! Drew practiced his juggling and soon began juggling for his friends. Everyone was so impressed, someone recommended he juggle at a big benefit concert that was coming up. Drew did. In front of hundreds of people, including many of his friends, Drew gave an amazing performance!
Today, Drew has 15 people in his Network. His Mom travels every summer for 2 months and doesn't worry about her son. She knows that if anything goes wrong, Drew has many friends he can call who would be there for him in a heartbeat. When Drew celebrated his 30th Birthday last year, there were over 35 friends there to celebrate with him. With help from his family, Drew just bought his own condo in a new, trendy building. He has already made friends with his new neighbours and with his real estate agent. He's planning to have 2 different house warming parties to accommodate everyone. It's a big change from just a few years ago.
Drew is happy and has enriched the lives of his friends and family; his Mom has peace of mind that her son is living a happy and fulfilling life. Drew will continue to be supported by his Lifetime Networks Victoria Network, by people who love him, for the rest of his life.
