A Story of Growth, Connection, and Community
I have so many stories to share.
I am proud of our clients every day. They continue to impress me, warm my heart, and shape me as a person.
But I want to start with the one that has had one of the biggest impacts on my life.
I met Jaiden in 2023 at the Night to Shine prom in LaPorte. At the time, I was working with the first deaf client on my caseload and had just started learning ASL.
I remember feeling excited when I saw Jaiden’s cochlear implant. I had been hoping we would meet someone who knew sign language so my client could have another person to communicate with. In a short time, I had already begun to understand how isolating it can feel to be deaf in a hearing world.
Not long after that, Jaiden joined the day program at MSDC and was cast as one of the leads in our feature film.
Over the past few years, I have watched Jaiden grow into a responsible young man with an infectious personality that never fails to make the people around him smile and laugh.
He has developed accountability, respect, and a strong work ethic. He has learned how to advocate for himself and communicate more effectively. Watching that growth has been something special.
What has been just as impactful is how that growth has extended beyond one person and into our entire environment.
We have gone from a place where only a few basic signs were used here and there, to a space where sign language is part of everyday life. It is used not just by deaf clients, but by hearing clients and staff as well.
Today, there are many individuals who can hold full conversations in sign language. We have an ASL Club that meets weekly in the community, bringing together both Deaf and hearing individuals. We have hosted events with ASL interpreters and created opportunities for more inclusive experiences.
It has been an incredible thing to witness.
My heart has never felt more full. I am so proud of all of the clients at MSDC and what has been accomplished in such a short time.
And I am especially proud of Jaiden, the man he is becoming, and all that the future holds for him.
Phillip McFarland
