Cory is an 18 year old male with a cognitive disability.  Cory has been involved in YMCA programs for 5 years and participates in team basketball, swimming, bocce ball, sports clinics, and many special event outings.  While Cory has participated in programs for years he has never, until 2006/07 attended an overnight trip with his peers or his teammates he plays competitive sports with.  Cory’s mother said that Cory has never been able to be away from her for a long period of time.  She has tried many times in the past with programs at school, YMCA programs, and camp programs, but every time Cory would need to be picked up because of his increased anxiety or escalating behaviors. 

Cory is an amazing teenager with great social skills and loves to be around people.  For the first time in 2006/07 we asked Cory to stay one night in the dormitory for State Summer Games.  With hesitation he agreed for only one-night.  His mom waited by the phone for the phone call to come and pick him up.  Cory called a couple of times, only to check in and hear his mom’s voice.  The next morning Cory’s mother and godmother were overjoyed that Cory was shown that he can be fine on his own.  Because Cory had the ability to develop positive social relationships (with staff & participants) and feel safe and comfortable in and around YMCA Special Programs he has overcome his barrier to being away from his parents.  Since this time, Cory has increased to staying both nights in the dormitories for State Games (April 2007, June 2007, and August 2007) and even attended a camping trip for three days in summer of 2007 on his own.