Carmen Henry-Harris was motivated to reach out when she saw the testimonial insert that was included with UCP’s recent participant and family survey. The questions got her thinking about how far her brother Ray had come since he made the move into a UCP home. So she decided to share their story.

Ray is 52 years old, nonverbal, and was diagnosed with Autism at 5 or 6 years of age. While he suffered from seizures, his physical development was on track otherwise. Still, times were quite different back when Ray was in elementary school and into his teen years. There was not the abundance of opportunities that exist today for individuals with disabilities to actively participate in the community around them, develop their interests and interact socially. There were certainly no residential home options available similar to what Ray now enjoys.

Ray was fortunate to be raised in a close, connected family where all five of the children were taught the importance of taking care of others, none more so than their own family. Looking back on their shared years of watching out for Ray, Carmen says “That’s what we do. We take care. We do the family thing.” Dad was “Ray’s guy” and the person Ray looked to most for encouragement and support until he passed in April 2009. Ray then lived with his mother until Alzheimer’s forced her to leave the family home in 2013. At that point, Carmen was the primary caregiver for both mom and Ray, in addition to working full-time. She knew she had to explore other options in order for Ray to continue to grow and live his best life. It was then that the case worker referred her to UCP’s residential services. After doing some initial legwork to scope things out, Carmen agreed to give it a try for a transitional period. It wasn’t long before she realized this was where Ray belonged.

“My brother’s life has improved greatly since he came to live here. He’s grown so much and has so many more options available to him on a daily basis.” Even throughout the COVID lockdown, Ray was able to go on walks around the neighborhood, watch movies, listen to music, and just hang out with the staff and the other two gentlemen who are residents of the home. Today Carmen admits that she didn’t think Ray would take to residential living, that he would miss his family too much. But the staff have become like extended family to Ray. One of the direct support professionals in the home has developed a particularly close relationship with Ray, who he says reminds him of own son who is the same age.

While Carmen acknowledges this shift in how Ray interacts with others, she continues to be a fundamental presence in his life. “I’m still involved. I always will be. But I know that Ray is in a good place. I trust the staff; they are excellent.”

When asked what she would tell someone in similar circumstances as her and Ray, but who may not be aware of UCP services, Carmen responds, “I would say reach out to them. Do your research, ask the questions. Talk with the staff. You know your loved one better than anyone. You have to advocate for them. Come and visit. I believe you will be as pleased as I have been. My brother does better with other people now, he does better in life, for having been here.”