Donte Embraces Change

Experiencing significant life changes can be difficult for anyone, as even an influx of positive changes can be daunting and disrupt routines, emotions, and relationships. For Donte, a person supported by InVision, many changes were brought to his life this past year – changes that he faced with bravery and perseverance. Having begun services with InVision in May 2024, Donte is highly regarded among InVision team members for the great strides he has made in pursuing a life that is meaningful to him.
 
Prior to his arrival at InVision, and throughout his time receiving support through our Residential Program, Donte has overcome many challenges. Behavioral Specialist, Gina Ventresca – a member of Donte’s support team – highlighted Donte’s successful transition to receiving support by our organization in under a year, as well as his success in being true to himself. As a part of the team who made Donte’s support through InVision possible, Gina had the opportunity to learn more about Donte, his hobbies and interests, and establish a trusting relationship with Donte to ensure he felt comfortable and connected prior to his arrival at his new home in our eastern region.
 
“Donte is a very vibrant young man,” Gina shared. “He has a variety of interests, such as playing games, swimming, creative activities like making cards for those in need, and is very active in church.”
 
Additionally, Donte is an incredibly social person and loves spending time with his friends, family, community, and has an especially close and supportive relationship with his mom.
 

Kathy’s Circle of Friends Talent Show

A highlight for Donte, his support team, and his family is his recent performance in a talent show hosted by Kathy’s Circle of Friends (KCOF). Established in 2017 by Kathy Phillips, KCOF is a non-profit organization dedicated to “encouraging socialization, friendship, and community” among adults who experience disabilities through their various annual themed events – open to the disability community, their families, caregivers, and guests.
 
At the “KCOF’s Got Talent” show this past November, Donte played the guitar and sang “You are My Strength,” a worship song by Hillsong Worship and Reuben Morgan. In preparation for the big show, Donte’s mom made sure Donte was ready with a new shirt and top hat – ensuring he maintained his confidence on stage. The performance resulted in a standing ovation among the crowd, a trophy, many accolades for his beautiful voice from attendees, and encouragement for Donte to continue expressing himself in ways that are unique to him.
 
“I’m very proud of him,” Gina added. “It can’t be easy for anyone to get in front of a crowd of people you don’t know and perform. It shows confidence and courage, which as a Behavioral Specialist, I strive to encourage among the people we support. The choice of song says a lot about him. It’s my job to ensure we continue to allow Donte to promote himself and his strengths!”
 
Experiences such as this are a wonderful example of why we do what we do at InVision and emphasizes the importance of celebrating the success of the people we support.
 
Way to go, Donte! InVision is so proud of you, and we can’t wait to see all the accomplishments in store for you in the future. And a huge thank you to Kathy’s Circle of Friends for providing such wonderful opportunities to the disability community!
 
For more information about KCOF, event schedules, and more, please visit KCOF’s website.