Meet Harvey

Living up to his full potential

When Harvey first came to AbleLight, he was living in a group home. And while group homes are a wonderful choice for many (and we personally know plenty of people living and thriving in group homes), it wasn’t the best fit for Harvey. For Harvey, having different staff rotating through the home on their various shifts caused anxiety, and his anxiety often resulted in explosive outbursts—creating a tense environment for Harvey, the staff, and the others who lived in the home.

Some agencies may have refused to support Harvey because of his outbursts, but AbleLight remained committed to Harvey, eventually matching him with a shared living (host home) provider, Dave. Since moving in with Dave, Harvey has become calmer and more peaceful.

“When he first came to me, Harvey lived in a very negative world,” says Dave, noting Harvey initially expressed frequent concern that he would be kicked out, or would assume any time Dave was upset was Harvey’s own fault.

But within the first year of Harvey being placed with Dave, Dave began to see Harvey’s triggers disappearing, and the anxiety along with it.

“Having the consistency of a male provider makes him feel safe,” says Dave. And that feeling of safety has allowed Harvey new space to flourish.

“Now,” Dave says, “Harvey recites the same mantra every morning before he leaves for day program.”