Meet Daulton!

Easterseals MORC Helps Young Man Find Hope. His Mission: Help Others do the Same

Daulton is a young man who loves music, watching NBA games, and exploring his creative side. He also enjoys helping people succeed and meditating in his free time. Daulton is a best friend to many, a leader, and an overall compassionate person.

“I’ve always been a leader,” Daulton said. “I have a lot of people that know they can count on me to be there for them when needed.”

About 25 years ago, Daulton was involved in a car accident that required him to relearn how to walk, talk, and more. He shared that although the recovery process was a difficult time in his life, it ultimately provided him with hope.

“For most of my life, even before my accident, I’ve struggled with many challenges and internalized my thoughts,” Daulton said. “After getting help, attending therapy at Easterseals MORC, and getting on the right medication, I realized that there was hope for me. I was able to change my thoughts, focus on the positives, and see that I wasn’t alone.”

In 2018, Daulton began receiving mental health services at Easterseals MORC. He expressed gratitude for Easterseals MORC team members, Amber Brock, Behavioral Health Clinician, and Lorraine Lucas-Guster, Case Management Coordinator, who he says helped him feel heard and learn healthy coping skills. Daulton also shared that Dr. Jennifer Lee-Schroeder, Adult Psychiatrist, got him on the right medication, helping him to find success in therapy and eventually graduate from his treatment plan.

“Easterseals MORC cares about the people that they serve,” Daulton said. “I never felt pressured to be on medication or do something that I didn’t want to do in my journey. They helped me to see the bigger picture and learn valuable skills along the way. They helped me to be happier in life. I’ve been making it my mission to help others realize they aren’t alone and there is help for them too.”

In 2022, Daulton wanted to take action and help people who may be experiencing similar challenges as he had. He took to his creativity, writing a song that conveyed a message of hope, helping to bust stigma around mental health. 

“One day I just sat down and wrote the words that spoke to me,” Daulton said. “My friend, Steve Walsh, helped me produce it and it came to life. I wanted to remind people that your mental health challenges don’t define you. It is possible to reframe your thoughts and help is available. Easterseals MORC helped me so much and this song helped me to thank them.”

Daulton said he couldn’t have found success without the support from his mother, who’s been his biggest fan since the beginning. He hopes his music can help others feel like they matter too and inspire them to achieve their goals. One day he said he hopes to explore a career in chemistry, geology, or become a therapist.

To listen to Daulton’s song, click HERE.