Shortly after graduating from Montclair High School in 1984, Robert N. began working in the Work Activity Program (WAP) at Anthesis (then Pomona Valley Workshop) in December of 1988. While in the WAP program, Robert was excited to gain a new experience and make progress towards his goals. During his time in the WAP program Robert was able to grow by learning skills.
As the Work Activity Program closed, Robert joined the Adult Development Center (ADC) program in November of 2018 and couldn’t be happier. Anthesis’ ADC Program focuses on enhancing the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through community integration and offering opportunities of social activities. With being surrounded by a lot of his friends who were a part of his previous program, he was able to quickly adapt. Having the opportunity to be social is very important to Robert as he enjoys catching up with his friends and appreciates the support he receives from staff in his program. Robert has been very active in all our social activities that includes our dances, company picnics and Aktion Club. If you ask him, he’ll say he loves to do everything!
During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert received remote services via telephone, drop-off activities and self-guided projects. The staff at the ADC, and all the programs have worked diligently to provide individuals with the services they rely on virtually. Since COVID-19, Robert has made the best of having remote services. His favorite activities consist of completing word searches, crossword puzzles, connect the dots and color by numbers. With recently purchasing his own iPad, he is able to join in on Zoom activities. Staff at the Adult Development Center program have gone above and beyond to make sure participants are still able to be a part of engaging activities and interact with their peers. One of Robert’s favorite Zoom activities has been the Book Club led by Program Specialist, Melissa Meyer, where they read Harry Potter together.
Robert is anxiously waiting to be able to return to program, so he can go to the places where he enjoys spending his time with his friends–like going to the Quakes games, bowling and especially fishing! Robert has been an active member of the Inland Empire Aktion Club and an Anthesis Participant. He gives everything he has got with his whole heart and always ready to be part of the team.
Anthesis supports Robert to be the best he can be by supporting him to do what he loves to do: Being a part of his community. Thanks to the support of the staff at ADC and Aktion Club, Robert is achieving his goals. He has resources needed to achieve his goals. Robert has grown tremendously.
To learn more about Anthesis’ Adult Development Center, click here.