“Call me!” Chad Remains Part of the New Danville Family
Known for his “Call Me!” gesture and message, Chad will now be counting on calls to stay in touch with his friends that he made over his eight years at New Danville. With changes in personal circumstances, he has had to move on this month from living at Meadowbrook, New Danville’s residential community, to where he can get a different level of care. Chad made an impression with Wranglers, volunteers and staff during his time here.
Chad was a busy guy, taking in all sorts of class offerings from the day program. Among his favorites were gardening, cooking, bowling and art. The best part of the classes and of living independently was his friends.
His mother said that the “Call me!” message began many years ago. “He is really saying, ‘I love everyone. You’re my friend!’” she said. “He is the most happy-go-lucky person you’ll ever meet and has been since he was young.”
That spirit helps explain why the friendships he made were among the highlights he cited for being part of the New Danville family. He actively participated in the Social Club which provides opportunities for residents to go on a couple of field trips for social activities in the community.
There are plenty of team member stories because of Chad’s spirit and charm.
Nicole Martinez, program coordinator, got married twice on the same day – once at New Danville and once at the formal wedding. She wanted to be sure to have a ceremony at which Wranglers could participate. Chad was a groomsman for the event held here.
Anthony Juneau (aka AJ) has what amounts to a book full of Chad stories. “I call him ‘Chadwick,’ which he loves, and he calls me ‘Daphne,’ which is pretty close to Anthony. He is full of joy and always happy to help with anything around here. He would take on tasks in the gardening class that few others wanted, particularly if he felt it would ‘earn’ him a trip to the gas station. I think given a choice between going to Hawaii and going to the nearby Circle K for a Polar Pop drink, he would choose the Circle K.”
His mom noted that one thing, above all, was Chad’s favorite part of living independently at New Danville. When she referenced it, he finished her statement with “Being an adult.” To be able to make decisions about what to do with his time, whether to come home on weekends, to gather with his friends…making these decisions meant the world to him, she said.
Some decisions are tougher than others; the decision to leave New Danville among the toughest. Life is that way, but relationships are forever. “Hey Chad, call us!” (Editor’s Note: It is for people like Chad that New Danville’s leadership team has included in its vision for the future the addition of assisted living facilities.)