Having a place to learn, connect and grow can make a meaningful difference in anyone’s life. At Quest’s Training Centers, adults with developmental disabilities are supported in developing new skills, building relationships and living with greater purpose and independence. For Apopka Training Center participant Johnny, those experiences have helped him reconnect with the active, social person his family has always known him to be.
Finding the Right Fit
Johnny has always thrived on connecting with others according to his sister, Tasha. He naturally gravitated toward experiences and customer-facing roles throughout school and early adulthood that allowed him to stay active and contribute to his community.
Over the years, Johnny participated in several programs designed to help adults with developmental disabilities enhance their quality of life through socialization and recreation. Some were eventually discontinued, while others simply weren’t the right fit. After the isolating experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnny had fewer opportunities to participate in the activities and experiences he enjoyed most.
When a trusted companion recommended Quest’s Training Center, Johnny’s family decided to give it a try. Conversations that were once centered around boredom and disengagement quickly shifted.
“Johnny is always talking about the different things he’s doing at the center,” Tasha says. “He gets up and prepares himself so he can go to Quest. He looks forward to being there.”
Why Adult Day Training Centers Matter
Nearly two years later, Johnny continues to embrace all that the Training Center has to offer. He enjoys community outings, volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank, cooking classes and staying active through the fitness room and walk club. He was recently excited about the addition of the garden club, where participants learn about growing and preparing healthy foods.
“I like to do a lot of stuff,” Johnny says. “The center gets me out of the house and gives me things to do. The staff treats me nice, and I just like it here.”
The Training Center offers a range of activities that help Johnny develop practical skills that promote greater independence and self-sufficiency. Through volunteer opportunities, he builds responsibility and workplace readiness. Cooking classes, the garden club and wellness activities encourage healthy habits and informed choices, while community outings and social experiences help strengthen inclusion, communication skills and confidence.
Impacting the Whole Family
The impact extends beyond participants like Johnny to their families as well. Knowing a loved one is spending their days in an environment where they are engaged and encouraged to explore new interests can bring invaluable peace of mind.
“Having Johnny in an environment where his needs are being met is comforting to me because I have confidence that when he goes to the center, he’s going to be okay,” Tasha says. “He’s going to have a great time. He’s going to be well taken care of.”
Looking for a place where your loved one can build skills, confidence and community? Explore Quest’s Training Centers and discover how individuals with developmental disabilities are living fuller lives.