“David has developed way more confidence. I am so delighted in what you have done for him. The change I see is amazing”

David is a nine-year-old boy who was referred to Mimi’s House by one of the schools we partner with. The Guidance Officer recently reflected, "David! David has developed way more confidence. I am so delighted in what you have done for him. The change I see is amazing. 

One example…,” she said, “David would never initiate a conversation or a greeting, but the other day he walked right up to me, looked me in the eyes, called me by name, and asked, ‘How are you today?’ I was astounded - this is truly amazing for him!”

She also noted that David has been heavily dependent on his older siblings for support at school and that Mimi’s House has been instrumental in helping him be more independent. Additionally, she has seen him display more resilience, for example when receiving correction.

He doesn’t like change in his routine, but since coming to Mimi’s he’s excited and actually looks forward to what’s coming next! He wasn’t participating in group projects – now he’s socialising more which is a big difference - he feels a part of the group.

The Mimi’s House team have also seen David develop more resilience: “He would get upset and cry - for example when he doesn’t win - but he’s learning to be ok with that and to accept disappointment.”

The team has seen David go from being very reluctant to giving new things a go to being much more adventurous and social. His parents said this is very significant: “He doesn’t like change in his routine, but since coming to Mimi’s he’s excited and actually looks forward to what’s coming next! He wasn’t participating in group projects – now he’s socialising more which is a big difference - he feels a part of the group. 

“He’s found his voice.”

He’s a lot more talkative in general: he talks more about what he’s enthusiastic about – he joins in conversations with others more. He’s found his voice.” Wow, how brilliant is that.

By the way, David suffers from Muscular Dystrophy, a speech & language impairment, child development delays, fine & gross motor skill issues, learning challenges, sensory sensitivity issues, and ADHD.  But David, the boy, clearly shines through all of this! What a credit to the community that surrounds him: his loving family, caring school, and the Mimi’s House team who have had the privilege of being part of his life during this season.

*Name has been changed for to maintain confidentiality.