Every month at nonPareil, we witness incredible outcomes and moments of growth and confidence in the lives of the adults we serve. This month, we are honored to share Ben’s story through the eyes of his mother, Oonagh. Before joining nonPareil, Ben often struggled with confidence and independence, and his family wondered what adulthood would look like for him.
After being encouraged to tour nonPareil because of Ben’s interests in technology and art, they quickly realized it was a place where he could truly thrive. Since joining the program, Ben has grown in remarkable ways. Today, he independently shops for groceries, cooks meals on his own, and manages responsibilities his family once never imagined he would feel comfortable handling. His mother shared that the cooking classes at nonPareil played a huge role in building both his skills and confidence.
Beyond practical life skills, Ben has also found friendship, connection, and purpose in everyday life again. He loves participating in nonPareil’s social activities, and his family says he is happier, more social, and more hopeful about his future than ever before. Recently, Ben reached another incredible milestone: securing his very first part-time job!
For Oonagh, seeing her son flourish has meant everything. She shared that nonPareil has become more than a program for Ben, it’s a place where he is growing into adulthood with confidence, joy, and hope.
Thank you for helping make stories like Ben’s possible and for supporting opportunities that empower adults with autism to build better futures!
