A mom writes: Kiersten has had difficulty with greeting, initiating and social interaction at home and school. Since arriving at Mychal's Learning Place she has learned to greet the stafff and children by their names without prompting. She has made great improvements by initiating and social interactions with family and friends. Recently, Kiersten has received 2 awards from school for "Most Improved Social Skills". I am blessed and delighted to have Mychal's Learning Place and the exceptional staff in our lives. Avita L.

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Mychal’s Learning Place has opened a whole new world to my son. It gives him the njoyment of friends, fun and practical activities and a sense of independence and belonging. He looks forward to it everyday, especially bowling day! Joanne S.

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My son was getting very surly because his sister got to do things most kids do - go to camp, take music, do sports and have friends. He didn't like to do these things with other kids because he couldn't perform at their level socially and physically - the go-karts at camp were too loud, the staff at some enrichment programs unqualified to deal with my son't behaviours, and he hated the cheering at soccer. He was withdrawing and and in a very bad frame of mind until we found Mychal's Learning Place. He is no longer left behind watching TV, but has his own activities he loves to do (most days).

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He preened in his tux at the prom; he got to go ocean fishing on a boat, (and his sister didn't); he now bowls and has his own glow-in-the-dark bowling ball; and he is working on his yellow belt in karate thanks to a very loving and patient sensei. All of these activities are doors that have opened to my son that are normally closed to special needs kids. What is even better, his mom and dad aren't taking him to all of these places and hovering over him, which gives him the sense of independence teens of any ability crave and need.

We feel very lucky to be a part of this innovative program. The wonderful, loving and patient staff are now extended family and I feel that our efforts are making my son into the best person he can be, which is all a parent of any child could hope for.

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We were blessed to have known Ed Lynch, Founder and Executive Director of Mychal’s Learning Place, (MLP), prior to its conception. Our daughter, Victoria, has attended MLP since the day it opened. Without MLP, a typical day for her after the usual ritual of breakfast, bathing and dressing is boredom and sadness because she is non-verbal and cannot communicate her thoughts, wants, wishes or feelings. Victoria is ambulatory and at a level where she enjoys all people, particularly her peers and the staff at MLP. She relates very well to everyone. In addition to enjoying people, she loves riding the program’s van to the different activities. Since she has been attending, her social skills have improved; she is well behaved and interacts well with others thanks to this wonderful program. Although our lives are busy, we are committed to helping MLP to raise funds and assist the program’s Director for continued success because Victoria’s joy is a testimonial to the love, hard work and dedication of the program’s staff and its Director.

Some testimonials from our children after their experience with the prom in June 2004:

Andre: "I had a good time and danced a little".
Isis: "I liked my blue corsage, my dress and the limo ride".
Gracie: "I liked the music: Who let the dogs out, YMCA and Staying alive".
Carlos: "I liked dancing, I liked the ladies that helped with the hair, the food, the cake and the limo ride".
Roberto: "I liked dancing with my friend Daenna".
Carrie: "I liked being the DJ in the limo and dancing with my friend Andre". Omery "I liked dancing with the same girl and I enjoyed the limo ride".
Torri: "I liked dancing with people and liked the rap music".