Success Stories

As her son, Teddy Parashes, made his way through Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, mom Cheryl pondered the circumstances of his life following graduation. Teddy, who has autism, and his family wanted him to be able to have the same opportunities as his classmates. When Cheryl heard about the KenCrest Educare program and the types of services it provides school-age individuals, Teddy was enrolled.

“Teddy really enjoys the Educare program and looks forward to it every day,” Cheryl said.Teddy is looking forward to getting a job following graduation in a few years. Educare is helping him follow his dreams of employment and making a smooth transition from school to adult life.Teddy, 18, had been receiving support from therapy staff at his family’s home for several years prior to the development of the Educare program, which is geared toward students ages 13 to 21 who have an autism diagnosis. Teddy attends the program four days each week.

He loves to cook, and according to mom Cheryl Rouge, is getting an opportunity to hone his skills at a bakery on the premises where the program meets. Dionne Jones, Director of Education & School-Age Programs for KenCrest, was able to set up this opportunity.“Dionne has been reliable, flexible, understanding, hard-working, and a valuable resource for me as a parent,” Cheryl said. “She is well-informed about transition issues and has worked hard to make the Educare program a success.”Dionne is currently exploring more community-based work opportunities for Teddy, including several restaurants in the area.“These work experiences are a perfect opportunity for Teddy and we are both very excited about it,” she said. “This is exactly the kind of help our family needs at this point in Teddy’s life.”

Because the Educare program focuses on employment, life skills, communication, and education, Teddy will be armed with confidence and will possess marketable skills to gain employment once he finishes school.“I’m very happy to say that Teddy has been making many developmental strides over the last couple of years. He is becoming more independent, gaining confidence, and just maturing into a wonderful young man,” Cheryl said. “I’m sure his experiences at Educare are contributing to all of that.”