“They told me I couldn’t walk. But I did.” -Henry, Subbiondo II Residence and Community Habilitation

On a beautiful day, Henry and Gavin will not be found inside. Through Community Habilitation, Henry spends time with Gavin, a one-to-one Direct Support Professional, in the community. On a typical day, Henry will visit a senior center nearby to enjoy the company of his peers and a good game of Scrabble. Then, Henry and Gavin grab some lunch or take a walk in the park. Henry, who was a messenger on Wall Street for nearly 30 years, is an expert in giving directions when they visit lower Manhattan together. “It’s not just directions. Henry has taught me life lessons,” said Gavin, who is capturing Henry’s stories on paper. Henry, who wore an iron brace as a child, grew up at Willow­brook State School and finally was released in his 20s. “They told me that I couldn’t be a messenger. They told me I couldn’t walk. But I did,” he shared. Henry has an incredibly sunny disposition that has not been clouded by his days at Willowbrook. For now, Henry is happy to be retired and is looking forward to his next Mets game with Gavin at his side.

Learn more about HeartShare and its Family of Services in our 2016 Annual Report.