Testimonial from Mrs. Candace T., Mother of Marcus M.
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude and admiration for HabCenter Boca Raton. My son, Marcus, is a current employee, and he absolutely loves it. From the moment we walked in for orientation, I knew we had found something special.
The facility is beautiful, and the staff is simply amazing. We relocated to Florida from St. Louis, Missouri, where Marcus had been employed at Canterbury Enterprises, Inc., another outstanding workshop for individuals with disabilities. He loved his time there. The move was difficult for him, and he didn’t understand why his daily routine had changed. As a result, his mood began to decline. For a brief time, Marcus attended an adult daycare here in Florida while I searched for a more suitable environment for him. Unfortunately, he became increasingly withdrawn and unhappy there.
Everything changed when we discovered HabCenter Boca Raton. During our tour, I saw a spark return to Marcus’s eyes. He smiled again, truly smiled, for the first time in a long while. When I asked him if he would like to work there, he beamed and said, “Yes!” Though Marcus is non-verbal and has Down syndrome, his joy was loud and clear. From his very first day at HabCenter, Marcus has come home each afternoon full of excitement. He’s a chatterbox again, eager to share stories about his day, his new friends, and the skills he’s developing. He especially loves working in the plant nursery and takes great pride in bringing home a paycheck, understanding that he earned it through his own efforts.
The transformation in Marcus has been remarkable. His spirit is renewed. He wakes up early, eager to take on the day and embrace new challenges. HabCenter has given him more than just a place to work, it has given him purpose, joy, and a community where he feels understood and accepted.
I wholeheartedly recommend HabCenter to anyone seeking a supportive, empowering environment for individuals with disabilities. The Center offers a peaceful, judgement-free space where each person can learn and grow at their own pace, with the encouragement of a patient and compassionate staff. Marcus has truly found his place, and for that, I am forever grateful.
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About the HabCenter:
HabCenter Boca Raton is a nonprofit organization that opened its doors in 1978 to equip adults with special needs with the knowledge, skills, and behavior needed to lead useful and productive lives with dignity, respect, and independence. HabCenter provides a safe, enriching environment to empower the spirit of those individuals it serves and encourage their unlimited potential. Essential programs the HabCenter offers are Social Services, and mental-wellness counseling, Developmental Training, Programs in Education, Art and Recreation (P.E.A.R.), and Vocational Training within HabCo Manufacturing and the HabCenter Plant Nursery that provide horticultural training. HabCenter also offers local businesses and universities partnership opportunities through HabCo Manufacturing, the Nursery and counseling, special education and occupational therapy internship programs. HabCenter also has a Supported Employment program, which provides competitive integrated employment (CIE) opportunities for clients who can work in the community by preparing them with the knowledge, skills and behaviors they need to be successful. To learn more, visit habcenter.org.