Kindred Voices: Tyrell and Nicole

“At Kindred, he has someone next to him, helping him with baking. They help him refocus and teach him that he can start something and end something... he’s starting to open up and talk more about the things he did during the day, who he met, and what he did.” — Nicole

From Nicole, mom of Tyrell, a Kindred Bakery participant: “I was born and raised in New York. I used to work as a computer programmer and then I decided I wanted to do something to give back. My mom was a teacher and at first I didn’t want to be. I’ve been a teacher for the last 23 years in mathematics.

I have a child with special needs, Tyrell. He graduated from high school. He tried college, it was too hard so now he’s in transitional school. Some people think with my education background it should be easier for me to maneuver and find programs. Finding programs is still very hard, brokers can give you a bit of insight but it's more word of mouth.

I want him to be in the right place. I just want him to be in the right space that gives him the right support. At Kindred they have supported him a lot, providing him with one-on-one support which he needs.

He loves it, every Saturday he comes. It’s been a great experience so far. He started last fall, and this is his first official year. He started baking with Kindred but now he does it on his own at home too. 

At Kindred he has someone next to him, helping him with baking. They help him refocus and teach him that he can start something and end something, use this time to be productive. Beyond the delicious cooking, he’s starting to open up and talk more about the things he did during the day, who he met, what did he do.”

In Tyrell’s words: “We made scones today. They’re pretty good. My favorite thing I’ve made are the chocolate chip cookies and the brownies”

The Transition to Adulthood

Nicole notes “You don’t understand how much support you have in high school until you don’t have it, from the guidance counselor, speech therapist, occupational therapist, teachers. College is not the same. College is not an extension of high school. They don’t have clinical therapists, speech therapists, that all becomes outside things you have to do with your child.

It’s been two years since he has been out of high school but I haven’t found that perfect balance of activities including schooling, socialization, recreation that he needs. It’s hard for him to have the relationships that he needs now as an adult. Kindred is another space he can meet people”

Her advice to other parents considering Kindred: “Get your child out. Let your child understand that they can do more, they can be a part of society, be a valued part of the community. 

Every week Tyrell comes home from Kindred with new and different things and shares more with me [beyond delicious baked goods]… My ultimate goal is for Tyrell to be a productive citizen in life, to be the best Tyrell that he can be, to give back to children and adults like him, to know his purpose.”