Growth in Success

Compassionate, generous, caring, thoughtful, considerate, friendly, sympathetic, gentle, supportive, and loving—these are just a few of the words that beautifully capture the spirit of Devon. His journey with the Easterseals Transitional Services program has been nothing short of inspiring.

Devon joined Easterseals on June 10, 2019, arriving with one-on-one support that allowed him to fully engage in developing his vocational and life skills. From day one, he approached every opportunity with eagerness and purpose—whether it was improving his math and reading, exploring potential job paths, or mastering the job application process.

Beyond academics, Devon gave back to the community by volunteering at GWIM. This experience not only helped him build valuable skills but also gave him a strong sense of purpose. He participated in the program four days a week, fully immersing himself in learning and growth.

In November 2019, Devon played a key role in launching the ECS Coffee Cart, a project designed to give participants real-world job experience. The coffee cart quickly became a lively, welcoming space thanks to Devon’s leadership. His bright smile and warm greetings made every staff interaction feel personal. He wasn’t just serving coffee—he was building relationships and boosting morale.

As his confidence grew, so did his desire to take on more. Devon began volunteering at Acts4 Ministry in Waterbury, where he took on tasks like sorting donations, cleaning, and assisting staff. His friendly, helpful nature earned him respect from both peers and supervisors, and he continued to build lasting connections.

When the COVID-19 pandemic paused in-person programming in March 2020, Devon adapted with resilience and positivity. While many struggled with the transition, Devon thrived in the virtual space. He participated in up to four Zoom sessions a day, covering everything from résumé writing and arts and crafts to storytime and music appreciation. His energy, curiosity, and thoughtful contributions made him a standout participant, always ready with a question or comment that deepened the discussion.

On June 23, 2022, Devon returned to in-person programming and immediately embraced a new opportunity: the Pick Me Up Express. This initiative expanded on the coffee cart concept, adding breakfast sandwiches to the menu. Devon excelled—taking orders, shopping for supplies, preparing food, and delivering with his signature smile. His leadership and reliability made him a key part of the program’s success.

Although his attendance had previously been a challenge, Devon took feedback seriously. After several supportive conversations about the importance of consistency, he made remarkable improvements, consistently attending four days per week.

His hard work paid off. On November 10, 2023, Devon transitioned to the Group Supportive Employment (GSE) program at ECS—an exciting milestone that marked the beginning of paid employment. In GSE, Devon quickly proved himself to be a reliable, motivated team member. He took pride in his responsibilities, which included cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, mopping, and taking out the trash. Always striving to improve, Devon frequently asked, “Did I do a good job?”—a clear reflection of his dedication to excellence and growth.

But Devon wasn’t finished reaching for his goals. Inspired by his love for animals, he set his sights on becoming a veterinary technician. In September 2024, he enrolled in his first college course. Just two weeks into the semester, Devon and his mom met with his counselor, who had nothing but praise. Devon was thriving in his class and earning straight A’s. His counselor described him as a joy to have in class—engaged, motivated, and full of potential.

From launching coffee carts to chasing his college dream, Devon’s story is one of perseverance, positivity, and progress. He continues to grow, inspire, and make a meaningful impact on everyone around him. His journey is a testament to the power of heart, hard work, and unwavering determination.