Before coming to live at Ralph Scott, GG lived at Murdock until he turned 18 in 1978.  He later moved to the Mary Moore Group Home in Elon, and when a vacancy opened, moved to a house in Ralph Scott’s Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) Division.  His first coordinator, Sandy, showed incredible patience and dedication to ensure GG’s new environment was a good fit for him and felt like home.  His mother, Patricia, stated that Sandy and her team provided extensive training and support to help GG adjust and grow into the intelligent and capable man he is.  They were so successful in GG’s acclimation that he was soon nominated to move to a more independent Developmental Disability Adults “DDA” home, where he continues to live happily and successfully today.

GG lives with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), a genetic condition that causes intellectual disabilities. Both genders can be affected by FXS, but it is more frequently diagnosed in males who often experience more severe behavioral and learning challenges, along with various physical issues. Despite challenges in verbal communication, GG is a joy to know and collaborate with, given time and patience.

Characteristics associated with FXS include sensitivity to touch, which GG initially dislikes but becomes more comfortable with over time as he grows familiar with people. Once you get to know him, you'll be greeted by his warm smile and kind eyes. If you're fortunate, you might receive a handshake and witness his happy dance when he sees you.

GG truly embodies the spirit of independence and participation in his own care. Since living at his home with RSL, he performs tasks that many of us do with just a minimal amount of assistance. GG helps bring groceries into the house and assists in putting them away. He communicates his food and drink preferences by showing his choices and takes his plate to the kitchen for seconds or when he finishes eating. He proactively reminds caregivers when it's time for his medication, often enjoying it with his favorite food, applesauce. GG manages his self-care and bathing independently and handles his own laundry.

GG has grown comfortable with the staff in his home and allows them to assist him with tasks like mopping and making his bed through hand-over-hand guidance. Encouragement and support to foster independence in his living environment have enabled GG to thrive and cherish where he resides. His mother expresses confidence in GG's safety and well-being while he's in our care, affirming our success in fulfilling our mission and vision for those we support.

We take immense pride in GG's ongoing achievements and strive to facilitate similar successes for everyone under our care.