Kyle Continues to Thrive in Ferndale Supported Living
Kyle is a charismatic young man who joined our Ferndale Supported Living community in April of 2024. Recently, Cascade Connections’ Creative/Marketing team caught up with Kyle and Ferndale Assistant Site Manager, Avery to learn what Kyle has been up to since he started receiving our Supported Living services last year.
As you may recall from when we introduced Kyle in our Spring 2024 newsletter, Kyle grew up in the area and has friends and acquaintances all over the County. As Kyle puts it, “Everybody knows me, baby!” Kyle is a well-known regular at many Ferndale establishments and some his favorite hang-outs include Mugshots Espresso, Chihuahua, and Barb’s Pies and Pastries, where Kyle says you can get the best donuts in town.
Kyle reports that he really enjoys the increased freedom that Supported Living affords him. He says the staff are “awesome”, and he appreciates the fact that “I can go places whenever I want.” Kyle also likes that the staff support him in preparing his favorite foods, which include pizza, hamburgers, steak, and BBQ ribs. Kyle especially enjoys that he has more space in his new house and “can listen to music whenever I want.” He says he loves to play AC/DC and Taylor Swift, and so far, the neighbors haven’t objected!
Typically, when a new client joins Cascade Connections’ Supported Living program, there is a lot of focus on community integration. However, thanks to Kyle’s extensive connections in the community, his support team is able to focus on helping Kyle to maintain his existing relationships, such as with his parents, who live within walking distance of his home. He also loves spending time with his young nephew, who was born in April of 2024.
Of course, Kyle has also built several new relationships over the last year. You might remember, when Kyle joined our program, he lived with James. James recently relocated to another Supported Living site in Ferndale, so James and Kyle are now enjoying the next stage of their friendship. According to Ferndale Assistant Site Manager, Avery, “In some ways Kyle and James’ relationship is even stronger now that they are no longer living together.”
Another relationship he has developed is with his new roommate, Tyler, who recently joined Cascade Connections Supported Living program. Kyle and Tyler enjoy a healthy, mature dynamic and Kyle refers to the two of them as “the Birch Street Boys”! They knew each other before becoming roommates, having played on the same Special Olympics T-Ball team.
As far as Kyle’s Vocational pursuits are concerned, he continues to enjoy his job at Armory Fitness where he works twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. His responsibilities include cleaning and maintaining equipment. Kyle recently had a very positive employment review and is now working toward gaining more independence at work. He has expressed satisfaction with his current work schedule. From time to time, he still works with his father, who is a commercial fisherman.
For fun, Kyle continues to enjoy seeing live music, especially Hell’s Belles, the world famous all-female AC/DC cover band based out of Seattle. Avery noted, “Kyle pursues his interests tenaciously, and supporting him through his favorite activities is an absolute pleasure for his staff. Kyle makes the most of every second doing his favorite things, and he spreads his enthusiasm to everyone else attending.”
We are excited to support Kyle as he continues to gain independence and pursue his dreams.