"By her actions, she tells a story that everyone needs to hear "

- Leon Smith, Recycling Coordinator

When Tommy was one year old, behaviors arose that indicated he may have some developmental delays. Tommy’s father, James, sought advice from health care professionals who diagnosed Tommy with a pervasive developmental delay and hyperactivity. 

A diagnosis of hyperactivity carried negative connotations during the 1960s. As a child, Tommy would accidentally break windows, causing his father to be concerned about potential safety hazards. James began to actively search for an inclusive and safe environment that would provide Tommy the necessary supports to excel in life. His search led him to find Orange Grove’s Double G summer camp. 

Double G camp provided the perfect opportunity for fourteen-year-old Tommy to channel his energy in positive, fun activities like swimming, arts and crafts, and sports that highlighted his exceptionally creative and bubbly personality. For the first time, Tommy was able to make friends who loved him for his unique abilities. His extravagant energy, which had previously prevented him from being actively engaged in the community, became a tool that helped him become a leader and the extraordinary individual he is today.

Tommy has been a part of the Orange Grove family ever since. He is known around Orange Grove as the “King of Camp” and even has the honor of giving the welcoming and closing speeches for camp each year.

While Tommy still enjoys camp, he also participates in other services that Orange Grove has to offer. After his first year of camp, he enrolled in the Children’s Services program, then moved into the Residential program and joined the Employment/Community Support programs. The Residential program provides 24-hour residential services in  a group-home setting. Each house supports up to four individuals in Orange Grove homes with a house manager and support staff as needed. 

Through the Employment/Community Support programs, Tommy learned how to use his skills to thrive in employment and everyday life. He now works at a recycling drop off center in Chattanooga and much enjoys his role. Tommy’s outgoing demeanor is an asset to him as he advises visitors on what products the center accepts and what needs to be taken to the refuse collection center. “He is very proud of the work he does. When he gets home, he loves to talk to his support staff and housemates about everything that happened during his shift,” says Tommy’s house manager, Kayla Bowlby.

His work ethic has carried over into his daily life. When he is not working, he keeps himself busy by sweeping his neighbors’ porches, raking leaves, and taking their trash to the curb. “When I first moved next door to Tommy’s group home, I woke up week after week on recycling day to find my recycling bin already by the curb,” recalls Tommy’s former neighbor, Dave Lang. “At first, I thought I was forgetting that I had completed this chore the night before. When I discovered that it was Tommy who weekly assists the neighborhood on recycling day, I fell in love with Orange Grove and the individuals they serve.”

James credits Orange Grove for Tommy’s success by providing him the opportunity to explore his unique abilities in a comfortable environment. 

“Tommy would not be where he is today 

without Orange Grove,” James says through 
tears of gratitude. “Orange Grove is his family, home, and source of happiness.”

Even from an early age, it was evident that Robbie, despite being nonverbal, functioned well cognitively. “He is a big flirt and has a jovial personality,” says Sharon laughingly recalling the small yet significant moments that indicated Robbie was well aware of his surroundings. “We do not know what he is thinking because he cannot speak, but with a simple look, he can clearly express his feelings.” Toddler-aged Robbie would flash a smile and look of admiration to women, convey frustration with a simple glance when he was woken up early, and be the first person in the room to laugh at jokes. 

Robbie loves his freedom and having his own space. He enjoys going on adventures, especially to the aquarium and to his grandmother’s lakeside home. His hobbies include going to the movies, bowling, swimming, and playing softball with the Dream League.

Orange Grove quickly became a second family to Robbie and his family. Robbie first came to Orange Grove at five years old to participate in the children’s services academic program. He earned his high school diploma at the age of 22. After graduation, Robbie entered Orange Grove’s Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) adult program. The ICF department provides comprehensive and individualized health care and rehabilitation services - “active treatment” - with the goal of helping each individual maintain as much independence as possible. Typically, individuals served through ICF have the highest care needs and have 24/7/365 staffing, with nursing care available around the clock.

Sharon credits the stimulation Orange Grove’s person-centered programs provide for how well Robbie is doing today. “They knew so much that I would’ve never discovered on my own. They taught our family the best way to position equipment, best treatment practices, and have walked alongside us as we have tackled life’s many challenges,” Sharon states. 

When a rare opportunity arose for Robbie to move into one of Orange Grove’s ICF residential group homes, Sharon faced one of the hardest decisions of her life. However, Robbie’s ear-to-ear grin as he entered his new home was all the proof she needed that he was ready to live an independent life. “It was a bittersweet moment,” says Sharon. “I was terrified of letting him go but overwhelmed with happiness because I never thought he would live long enough to move into a group home.”

Robbie and his family are an inspirational example of making the best of life’s circumstances, no matter how impossible to overcome they may seem. Robbie is a shining star and truly loved by his Orange Grove family.