Meet Jacob!

Easterseals MORC Helps Young Adult Get Involved in his Community

Jacob loves to be outside and can often be found at New Horizons or with his Community Living Support (CLS) worker at Clarkston Family Farm. He has become an integral part of the team, earning a staff shirt, for his dedication to feeding the animals, collecting chicken eggs, and gardening in the greenhouse.

“Jacob volunteers at Clarkston Family Farm four days a week alongside his CLS worker, Todd,” Jacob’s mother, Becky said. “Thanks to Todd, Jacob can enjoy being part of his community. Jacob and Todd often take field trips, go out to eat, visit the movies, and go swimming!”

Becky says that Jacob is a great swimmer, enjoys attending church activities – especially when music is involved, and camping with his family. Due to various medical challenges and with two children on the autism spectrum, Jacob and his family have found a few hobbies and activities they enjoy most as a family.

“We don’t let our challenges stop us from making memories and having fun as a family,” Jon, Jacob’s father said. “One of the things we all love to do is go camping and spend time in nature!”

Jacob’s family owns an RV that they love to take all over Michigan, experiencing all the beauty and historic sites the state has to offer in between the Great Lakes. Over the next few months, the family has planned trips including a visit to California and a fall camping trip across northern Michigan making multiple stops along the way.

“I love taking pictures in nature,” Becky said. “Jacob loves swinging in his hammock and just relaxing in the beautiful places we visit, where Hannah, his sister, and my husband, Jon, are always finding a spot to hike.”

CLS has helped Jacob to reach goals relating to safety, socialization, and money skills. This past spring (2025), Jacob graduated from Clarkston High School's Adult Transition Program. In addition to receiving CLS, Jacob also receives respite services, and learns valuable vocational skills at New Horizons, allowing Becky and Jon, to take a break from being caregivers, focus on being parents and allow them spend time with each other.

“Respite care for our children has allowed us to be parents and not caregivers 24/7,” Becky said. “The services our family receives has allowed Jon and I to nurture our marriage, take care of ourselves, and spend quality time with our children.”

Jacob’s family is extremely grateful for the support and development Easterseals MORC has given to their entire family. Jon mentioned that Becky is always advocating and sharing the services that the organization has to offer in hopes to help others as much as they have been supported.

“We have had several, phenomenal individuals at Easterseals MORC who have helped us every step of the way,” Becky said. “They’ve helped us to find resources, manage life’s challenges, and become closer as a family. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. We’re grateful for their support and partnership!”