Brett
Brett has made quite an impression at Clever Center, the Support
Services for Adults (SSA) center he attends. In addition to helping
participants with daily activities, he's become the resident
photographer. The staff at the center introduced him to photography in Oct. 2008, and he's had a hard time putting down the camera ever since.
"I like taking photos because the pictures come out so neat," said Brett. His family has become one of Brett's favorite subjects to photograph. He is also making a scrapbook of the places he goes and the things he does every day. "I wanted to make one so people can see what I'm doing," he said.
Brett's other love is his volunteer position with the O'Fallon Fire Department. Every Friday he goes to the fire station to help with cleaning and to chat with the staff. "He's developed relationships with the individuals at the fire station, and they have made him part of their team," said Alisha DeSpain, manager of Clever Center. "They ask about him and his family and he does the same with them."
It's obvious that the staff at the center enjoy working with Brett. "He's fun to have around," said Alisha. "He challenges us to think outside the box and come up with more creative ways to support our participants."
Both Brett and his family enjoy the SSA program, as well. "I like that they go out of their way to work with him and his needs," said Roxanne, Brett's mother.
Brett keeps busy when he leaves the Clever Center. He enrolled in Community Living's Recreation Services program at the same time he started the SSA program; his favorite Recreation Services activities are art therapy, trips to St. Louis, and going out to eat. At home, Brett enjoys drawing, watching the news, and taking care of his four pets, including a talking African Grey parrot named Squeaker.