There is a remarkable transformation that has taken place in the life of Christian C since he began living in a UCP home in May 2020. Christian, who is affectionately known to UCP staff as “Chuck” because of his fondness for Charlie Brown, has a handful of diagnoses, primary among them being mild IDD (Intellectual/Developmental Disability) and Autism.

When he first came to the home, Christian was 265 pounds, had some pretty significant behaviors, and was on a bunch of medications. Over time, as he settled into his new home and routine—and especially as he developed a trusting relationship with the caring team of consistent staff who want nothing more than to see him succeed—Christian’s behaviors began to subside. Equally important to his overall physical and emotional health, Christian now weighs in at 185 pounds, having intentionally and thoughtfully dropped 80 pounds in a year. Just as impressive is the fact that he has maintained that weight for nearly a year.

UCP Residential Supervisor Matt S is quick to point out that Christian’s weight loss had nothing to do with a restrictive diet. Rather, it had everything to do with Christian’s making wiser, healthier choices based on the options that were presented to him. For example, condiments have all been replaced with sugar-free versions, fruit salad (with its natural sugars) has replaced sweets, and eggbeaters have replaced eggs. Christian goes to the grocery store at the beginning of the week to pick out fruit and upon returning home, preps a large fruit salad that will last him a couple days. At the same time, Christian has taken up walking as a form of daily exercise. Whenever weather permits, staff take him to City Island or another local park to walk, or to throw or kick a ball. His father visits him every Saturday, taking him on additional outings. As Christian’s behaviors have decreased, so has his staffing ratio, from 2 to 1 upon entering the home… to 1 to 1 now.

Matt said that two factors are key to Christian’s success. Number one, he desires to be as independent as possible, and has been willing to make the changes necessary to achieve that goal. Second, he credits the consistency of the “UCP Team” that has supported Christian throughout his journey. It’s only right that we give the entire TEAM a shout out by name: McKenna M, Sheri K, Tori D, Vernell H, Jandira M,  and Cheli H. Both Matt and Tori have been with Christian since before he began living in the home; both made the transition to UCP along with Christian in 2020. The consistency and closeness of staff is crucial says Matt. “Chuck has picked up on the comfort level and connection among all of us, and it has helped raise his level of comfort and trust as well.” Additionally, Matt can’t say enough about the incredible work of team member and Behavioral Consultant Shane G. “Shane provides an extra set of trained eyes, as well as critical experience that has been instrumental in helping Chuck establish goals and work to achieve them.”

UCP Program Specialist Laddie S, who was in the home the day of this interview, had a two-word reply when asked what he believes is the single most important element of Christian’s success: “Christian himself.” Laddie explained, “Christian wanted to live more independently, and he deserved the chance to do so. UCP was willing to take that chance with Christian.” Laddie went on to echo many of the same sentiments as Matt, “It takes a consistent team, all on the same page, working toward the same goals. The team provides opportunities and options for Christian to be successful… but Christian is the one who makes the decisions that allow him to succeed.”