Blue Diamonds

Meet Karena, who Greystone supports. She has made some incredible accomplishments. Karena moved to Greystone’s Whispering Oaks home in 2016, transitioning from a residential school to a group home with four other women. She presented with many challenging behaviors, further complicated by an intellectual disability. Transitions can be difficult, but Greystone provided the individualized support Karena needed to adjust, thrive and to live the life she chooses. As a result, Karena participates in almost all of the programs Greystone offers such as the Expressive Arts programs, Project Fame and Day and Employment Services where Karena learns new skills to bring to her day-to-day life. She is now employed at a pharmacy and thriving!

Like many of us, Karena has had ups and downs, accomplishments and setbacks, but through it all, she wanted to break through to become the shining star we knew she could be. This is why Karena has decided to create a Leap for Autism team named the Blue Diamonds. Karena chose this name because it “represents Greystone, and diamonds are shiny and sparkly just like me and the other individuals” she notes. Karena has always been a diamond, and now she shines ever bright!

“I finally have my daughter back!” says Liza, Karena’s mother.

This is exactly what we love to hear and see at Greystone Programs - the positive impact that TOGETHER we make on the lives of individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Please help celebrate with your gift in support of individuals and families living with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your generosity ensures other Greystone supported individuals will live a life, like Karena’s, where the sky’s the limit!