Michael loves competing in sports and has won multiple medals at Special Olympics New Jersey. However, independence was the one achievement he couldn’t win on his own.
Like many adults with special needs, Michael lived a happy life at home with a caring family. As he watched five of his six sisters leave home for college, some of them to prestigious universities, including Harvard and Penn State, Michael wanted to be independent as well. At the age of 21, Rose House gave Michael his “college moment” with a move to the beautiful Morris Plains Group Home.
Much like a college housing situation, Michael shares his living areas with three housemates, Jesse, Ted, and Tristin. They have a spacious living room, enabling them to watch TV, play video games, and use exercise bikes. Michael also has access to a modern kitchen, which is beneficial as cooking is his second passion after sports.
“He likes to make hard-boiled eggs, then cut them up and add other ingredients to create breakfast tacos,” said his mother, Beth. “He also makes the most beautiful salads. I’m hopeful that he can attend County College of Morris’ culinary program soon.”
Michael currently attends Limitless, a day program in Denville, NJ. The program is unique in that it offers a more personalized approach for everyone’s needs. They also go on fun trips, including snow tubing. During the holiday season, they go shopping at Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, PA, instead of simply going to a local mall to buy gifts for family.
Michael has competed at Special Olympics New Jersey for softball and basketball. At the time this article was written, Michael had just won a bronze medal for basketball!
In addition to competing in sports, Michael also loves to watch sporting events on TV, including football, WWE professional wrestling, and monster truck shows. He also enjoys watching the Nickelodeon TV series, Kid Danger. Michael’s favorite pop band is Big Time Rush, and he enjoys dancing and singing karaoke as well. He also loves to spend time with family and friends and is known for his great sense of humor.