Christy began attending the Connections program about 3 years ago.  When she first started, she was very unsure of herself, scared to try new things and afraid of people she didn’t know.  Christy began opening up as she got to know the staff and participants at Connections. 

When Christy transitioned into the Building Full Lives Program, she really began to grow.  Christy has always carved attention.  She needs to be continuously encouraged to build her confidence.  Christy is now able to connect very closely with her friends in the BFL program.  She has learned to make decisions and plan and voice her opinions.  Christy tends to apologize often when she asks for things, as she feels she is an inconvenience to others.  She is very vocal about being nervous or afraid to try new things. 

She often says she has never done this or that and is ‘afraid to try something new’.  Christy is also extremely thankful for everything.  Whether it’s taking her to the movies or helping her open a fruit cup.  The gratitude is the same.  She says over and over “thank for you for doing that for me”.  Christy also struggles with decisions.  She often asks ‘that’s a good idea, right?”  She is constantly seeking direction from others.

Being in BFL, Christy’s self esteem is blooming.  She is becoming more confident in herself.   She is learning she is smart.  She is capable.  She is worthy.  She is valued. 

Her friends look forward to seeing her and doing things with her.  She is missed when she isn’t there.  She is learning how to handle a change of plans because it is explained to her and talked about.  Bring in her smaller group gives her that added attention she so desperately craves and needs o feel good about herself. 

Each day Christy learns that she can do more things on her own then she ever thought possible and she gets so excited about it.  We often hear now “I am learning new things today”, rather than “I’m afraid to try new things”.   Christy will still ask “that’s a good idea, right” but now will follow it up with “I have good ideas”. 

Christy is also learning her likes and dislikes.  She enjoys the planning of her day.  She is in charge of her day.  She has learned it is possible to do the things she didn’t think she could. 

One of Christy’s friends she has made through BFL, loves animals, especially cats.  They were talking about different ways to see cats or learn about them.  As they were talking about cats, the conversation moved to lions and tigers.  Christy told her friend she never saw a lion or a tiger.  They agreed they wanted to see a lion and a tiger… but how?  They got to work and found a Sanctuary in the WI Dells.  How far is that? Could they actually go there?  How much money does it cost?  They walked through and researched a series of questions to prepare to go there.  They decided when they would need to leave, that they should pack a lunch, what to wear, etc.  And made it happen.  They had a fantastic day!  This is how the BFL program works and how it can truly make a difference in someone’s life.