Seeing people with disabilities through every stage of life, Wildwood programs prides itself on providing individualized support, from school-aged children to those entering young adulthood.
For some, like Jay Birnbach, continuing to live at home with family makes the most sense.
But for others, maximizing their quality of life and independence means living at one of Wildwood's community residences.
Adults like Michael Worobey receive assistance from support staff 24 hours a day. His mother, Robin Hickey, visits him twice a week, and the pair enjoy taking walks around Michael's neighborhood together.
"He is very determined. Michael kind of determines the path of his life, which is wonderful. We worked really hard for him to be able to make choices that he wants, and he's really good at that," Hickey said.
After graduating Wildwood School 10 years ago, Worobey first transitioned into the day program and later into residential. Hickey says she loves that she and Worobey get to have a very typical parent/adult child relationship.
"When it was time for Michael to transition out of school, it was really scary,” Hickey explained. “You spend so long working on school goals, knowing that they're going to be at school. And when it's time to transition, it really is transitioning into an unknown. But Wildwood made that process so smooth, so seamless for Michael and for me."
Hickey says the best part is when she leaves Worobey after their visit, she knows he's in great hands.
"He just has a great life with great staff who understand his needs, who support him, who provide him with the structure he needs, the routine he needs," Hickey added.
It’s at the community residences that people are matched by need, personality and availability. There are individual bedrooms with shared common spaces.
Ryan Marcella moved out of his family's home eight years ago. Ryan's mother Cheryl Marcella says seeing him build friendships with staff and the other people he lives with has been the most rewarding.
"It's been a wonderful experience and to see him grow and the thing that makes me the happiest is to see how happy he is. He is. I tell people he is the happiest person I've ever met in my life," Marcella said.