It was the last place Max expected to be: on stage at Ability’s Gala fundraiser last year, singing to hundreds of people as the lead vocalist for a choral performance of “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson.

But that’s exactly where he was. 

Max, who recently turned 30, has gained attention for his musical talents while singing Karaoke in our Bethel-based Day Program. 

With support from his family, our staff in Day and Work Programs, and his friends in the choir—who rehearsed for a month leading up to the event—Max found the confidence to share his voice with the community. 

“Music makes me feel good,” he said. “Singing, drumming. I’ve been doing it for a lot of years.”

Music is one of many in-house and community-based experiences available to Day Program participants like Max, who can explore their interests, share their talents, make community connections, and grow as individuals in a supportive environment. 

“We don’t put our clients in a little bubble,” said Shannon McClary, who manages the young adult Day Program that Max attends. “We’re looking for opportunities where they can shine, and where the community can see and celebrate their abilities.”

Rolling with the Changes

Max came to Ability Beyond in spring 2021, after he and his mother Maggie relocated to Bethel from Wilton. 

As her son was getting older, Maggie—a managerial accountant, and adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University—sought a home base with easy access to public transportation, which meant that Max could get around independently: whether he was headed to work, to the movies, or for lunch with a friend. 

On the other hand, moving also meant that Maggie would have to find a new, local day program for Max. She was familiar with AbilityBeyond and after meeting with our team, she and Max made the change. 

Fast forward and Max is now involved in both our Work and Day Programs, bussing tables at the Sycamore Drive-In once a week, and commuting to Leir Pavilion four days a week to enjoy a wide array of activities and experiences. 

“Ability Beyond helps with keeping Max independent, and they communicate well with both of us,” Maggie said. “He’s enjoying a perfect little life right now, with the right balance of routine and flexibility.”

Express Yourself

At the Day Program, Max gets to bowl, cook, play sports and board games, work out at the WestConn gym, take Zumba and yoga at the YMCA, and much more. In classes led by Ability Beyond staff, he learns about money management, job seeking, and other life skills. He’s even the broadcast weatherman, presenting the weekly forecast to our staff.

But his favorite activity of all is the music group, led by a volunteer named Billy. 

“Billy has everything—all the instruments,” Max said. “When we come into the room, he’s set up. He’s playing the piano and welcoming everybody. We sing, ‘It’s time to say hello,’ and he lets me play the drums.”

Max is a standout talent in the group, said Shannon. 

“He is phenomenal,” she said. “People notice him singing, and we’re always looking for opportunities to let our guys shine, especially where the community can see their abilities.”

Show Time

One thing we cover in our life skills program is dealing with the unexpected. For instance, Max wasn’t expecting staff to ask him to sing at the Gala last year.

“At first my answer was no,” Max said. “It’s that I get nervous. I get stage fright.”

Amber Sullivan, a program manager in Career Development, knows Max well—and his preference for clear expectations. So, she followed up with more information about the opportunity, including the fact that he wouldn’t be alone, but rather singing with a choir of voices. Little by little—day by day—Max got more comfortable with the idea, attending rehearsal with his fellow singers, and learning the words and melody to the 1988 social justice anthem.

On the night of the performance, his mother dropped Max off in front of the Amber Room for showtime. 

“We had discussed how the whole evening would go, and that we’d get there early, and when I’d pick him up,” Maggie said. “He’s a morning person, so I didn’t want to push it with the festivities.” 

While Maggie waited in the car, Max mingled and then made his way to the podium to lead the choir. “I’m gonna make a change,” he sang. “For once in my life  / It’s gonna feel real good  / Gonna make a difference…”

Five minutes after the performance, Maggie’s phone pinged. Staff had sent her video of Max singing for the Ability Beyond community. 

“At Ability Beyond they’ve really gotten to know him, and they work really hard to bring out the best in him,” Maggie said. “They also push him beyond his comfort zone. You have to be able to do that—to roll—because that’s life. And he’s a young man now.”

Take Action

Max is one of hundreds of people who find joy and fulfillment as a participant in our Day programs held throughout the region. Learn more about what you can do to support all of our programs at Ability Beyond today!