April, 2024
David and Velma
Navigating challenges is not a new task for Velma Gaye and her son, David. Since David was diagnosed with autism at nearly three years old, Velma has spent her life learning about autism and advocating for her son’s needs.
At the time of his diagnosis in 1994, research on autism was limited and few resources existed. David lived at home with his mother and brother until he was 18 and in 2012, Velma worked with Community Alternatives to move David into a group home.
Initially David did well, but the group home had frequent staff changes which created tension for David. Whenever the home could not address his needs, David was transported to the Emergency Department. During one such visit David was discharged from his group home, leaving him to spend 26 days at the Emergency Department while another option for David was found. Velma addressed these issues with prayer and hope and fortunately, in 2018, David moved to Murdoch Developmental Center in Butner, NC, where he lived for five years.
David at his group home in March 2024 David was happy during his time at Murdoch and when conversations arose about moving David from Murdoch, Velma was unsure. It was the guidance of Tim O’Toole, David’s Transition Coordinator, that encouraged Velma to explore David’s move to a long-term group home. Velma trusted Tim, and after meeting with some of the staff of a group home in Winston-Salem, felt confident that David would have a good transition.
“MFP was so thorough and conscientious. They started planning the transition in December and David moved in April. It was a good transition.”
- Velma Gaye
Now, at 32 years old, David happily resides in this group home in Winston-Salem. These days David enjoys living in the community and actively participates in community activities. David, along with his roommates and qualified support person, spend their weeks visiting community parks, fitness centers, and libraries. Each month David volunteers within the community and recently started cleaning cars with another resident at his group home.
When asked what guidance she should share with other families in a similar situation to theirs, Velma says, “Join me in advocating for people with autism…We have more than enough resources so that people with autism can thrive.”
