DePaul Community Resources Expressions Newsletter XXXIII-2

Finding Joy and Peace Story by Alison Wickline-Burns | Photos by Joy Shots Photography

You can see the joy in Charles’ smile—joy he finds from music, from shopping, from picnics in parks, and from living in a loving, caring home with Cynthia and her husband, George. Charles may not say many words, but that smile could light up a thousand rooms. “He’s very happy with them and peaceful, like he’s at peace, and he’s able to be himself,” said Catherine, Charles’ aunt. “They include Charles in everything that they do and they make him feel like he is part of their family. I believe they genuinely care for him, and he genuinely cares for them.” Cynthia and George have been part of DePaul’s Sponsored Residential Program for many years. They take their role as compassionate caregivers seriously and give their all to any individual they welcome into their home. “It’s a spiritual blessing,” said Cynthia. “We are here to help each other. And to help each other, you’ve got to put your hands in, you’ve got to put your thoughts in, and to pass that on. We love seeing the process come full circle, where you see

the growth that an individual has. That energizes you to go on to help even more.” They were introduced to Charles a couple years ago. Charles is nonverbal, has autism, and needed total support. DePaul had a feeling that Cynthia and George would be the right fit for him and give him the opportunity to live the fulfilling life he deserved. “He was very reserved and very quiet at first,” said Cynthia. “You could tell he was just trying to figure out where he was and how his life was going to change.” After settling in, Charles blossomed and that thousand-watt smile was back along with some new words like “pizza” and “peace out.” He’s attending day support, having regular calls with his family and relatives, and dancing his heart out to the music at church. “He’s such a lovable person, and he’s always smil ing,” said Catherine. “That’s my wish for him to always be that way, be the caring person that he is and always have laughter in his life.”

“He’s very happy with them and peaceful, like he’s at peace, and he’s able to be himself.”

— CATHERINE

7 | FALL-WINTER 2025