Personal Stories
- A Fraternal Bond
- A door to answers
- Luther’s story
Luther’s story
Many of the men and women that Futures serves have family members who are an important part of their lives. Families provide support, love, and that recognition of being cared about, that we all need as we go through life.
But for some, that’s not the case. Sometimes, Futures IS family.
Most folks who know Luther, would suspect he’d agree. For most of his 32 years, Luther has been a ward of the state. The situation of his birth is sketchy at best. His childhood years were spent living in an institution. If he’s got family, it’s not known who or where they are.
Luther’s disabilities are significant. He’s quadriplegic and receives his meals through a feeding tube. He also has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder as well as microcephaly.
As part of the state’s deinstitutionalization efforts in the mid 90’s, he was moved to a foster home in Wellington and began attending the public school. Futures began serving as his case manager in 1994.
As Luther became an adult, he started participating in Futures Day Services beginning in 1997, coming to the Matthew Washington Center whenever his health would permit.
When the foster care home was no longer an option, Luther moved to College house, where he has lived for almost 4 years. To some, Luther may seem vegetative - unable see, speak, move or eat. But the folks who know him best, know better. Like everyone, Luther has an opinion. He has preferences. He loves the smell of French fries, and he doesn’t like the sound of Stephen King books when heard on tape. He experiences joy, fear, and the comfort that comes from being with people he knows. He can’t resist joining in when other around him are enjoying a good laugh, and he’ll let you know when he needs to be repositioned.
But, for the staff who tend to Luther’s needs throughout the day, it’s more than just providing basic care. It’s about being there for birthdays, holidays, good times, and bad – not just as a caregiver, but also as a witness to the value of his life.
For the folks who care for Luther every day, it’s not just about his being cared “for” - it’s being cared “about” as well. There’s simply no question for Luther. We’re family.