PUZZLE PIECES
For Greg Nance, 44, of Beaver Dam, life has gotten a lot better since he began going to Puzzle Pieces five months ago.
Puzzle Pieces is a non-profit activity day center serving individuals 8 years and up who have intellectual disabilities. Their mission is to provide a safe and structured activity center for individuals with intellectual disabilities and promote independence, life skills, community involvement, social interaction, communication, and most importantly build trusting relationships between clients, staff, and families.
In February 2013, Greg’s sister, Lillian Barker, took guardianship of Greg, removing him from an “undesirable living situation.” Greg was diagnosed with mental retardation at a young age, but he also suffers from epilepsy, which is why he wears a helmet. Any excitement or stress can cause Greg to have seizures. With no friends and little interaction, Greg was nervous about attending Puzzle Pieces for the first time. He hadn’t been in a school-like setting since he was 11 or 12 years old, according to Lillian.
“He was nervous,” Lillian said. “He didn’t trust anyone and was scared to death. I called three times the first day he was there. But after a week Greg told me not to call anymore. He loves Puzzle Pieces!”
In fact, Greg loves Puzzle Pieces so much that he was very upset with Amanda Owen, Puzzle Pieces Executive Director, for closing the center with the recent inclement weather. “I didn’t like it too good,” Greg said.
When asked what he likes most about Puzzle Pieces, Greg says the “kids and making stuff” like crafts that Puzzle Pieces sells in their fundraising store, which generates money for needed supplies for all clients.
Greg also likes the Tuesday and Thursday field trips, when he is able to go to places like the barbershop, where he received a hot shave, and the pet store, even though he says he does not like animals much. Greg also represented Puzzle Pieces in recent promotions of the Color Blast 5K on WBKR, which was very special for Greg. During the daily “choice time” at Puzzle Pieces, Greg always chooses to listen to country music on the radio, specifically WBKR, whose DJs are his favorite.
Cody Crabtree, Greg’s Puzzle Pieces aid, looks forward to coming to work everyday because of Greg. “There is never a dull moment,” Cody said. “Greg’s a blast. He’s pretty much my best friend.”
Lillian is amazed at the progress her brother has made in just the five months he has been attending Puzzle Pieces. “He’s so more outgoing and confident,” Lillian said. “He’s completely different.”
Puzzle pieces has serviced and continues to service almost 70 clients since their establishment opened over a year ago. While only four other clients are Greg’s age, Puzzle Pieces serves individuals from age 8 to adults because they understand the importance of maintaining their programs’ activities through their clients’ lifetimes.
-Ashley Sorce