A Lot of Changes for Justin

Justin is a walking history book about New Danville. He has seen many changes in the campus and programs; he has changed along the way, too.

He shares details of classes when there were only a few Wranglers who gathered for day program offerings, which was several years before New Danville’s independent living community, Meadowbrook, was opened. Justin was one of the early residents. “When I first started in the day program,” Justin said, “I was shy. I have become more social.”

A graduate of Huntsville High School, Justin lived with his grandparents and learned about New Danville in 2005 when it was only a concept. He recognizes his grandparents’ role in his life and in the lives of others. “Papa was an influencer. Not in the social media way. He did it face-to-face with people. You could tell by how many people were at his funeral (he passed away in 2022). My grandparents took care of me. I always felt that I need to take care of them, too.  I help my grandmother now with things and make tea for her.”

As he has developed to be an influencer in his own regard, he has done it through friendships and being busy. He is part of the pallet team that assembles pallets for Charbonneau Industries, and has helped with the landscaping crew. He worked in the community but the COVID situation ended that role. “Getting to work is easy now,” he said, referring to the benefits of working on site.

When not in class or working, he can be found walking or riding his bicycle. “I like to chill and listen to classic rock music, too,” he added. Over the years, he has taken a multitude of classes through the dayhab program. His all-time favorite class is one of the new ones that began in August:  Blue Printing 101. “I would like to see a recreational building for us,” Justin said, “but that will take time and a lot of money. I understand.” Among the changes for Justin is wisdom.