The Power of Trust and Training: UCP Helps Khamisi Build a Life of His Own

When Khamisi first came to UCP of Eastern CT, he was resistant to trying new activities, felt isolated, and often said he wanted to move back home with his mom. One of his biggest challenges was a reluctance to change, which is common for many people with an autism diagnosis.

Over time, UCP helped him overcome this obstacle and worked hard to get him out of his shell. Jennie Pierre, one of his Direct Support Professionals, explains, “We put in the time at UCP. We put in the time to allow Khamisi to get to know us, to trust us, and we gave him the opportunity to meet his peers. Over time, that consistency made a big impact.”

When change overstimulates him, Jennie takes the time he needs to feel safe and calm. “I work one-on-one with him until I’m sure Khamisi is ok. We walk down the hall together at his new apartment complex until the stimming and over‑stimulated hand movements stop and he calms down,” she shares.

Jennie entered this field because of her son and chose UCP specifically because her son had cerebral palsy. She wanted to be more knowledgeable, and UCP’s ongoing training has given her the skills to support individuals with complex behavioral needs. The training focuses on understanding behavior, responding quickly and safely, and building trusting relationships. “The training makes us better employees because it prepares us to think quickly, split-second thinking, to know what to do in any situation, and to better understand people,” Jennie says.

With this support in place, Khamisi went from isolation and loneliness to moving into his first apartment this year. He now spends many nights out with friends and peers and is actively integrating into his community.

Kim Levy, Director of the Residential Program at UCP, explains, “By pairing Khamisi with a staff member he trusted and working closely with his mother, we were able to convince him to try short, small‑group activities at first. Khamisi now joins the weekly Guys’ Night Out, the DDS dances, and outings offered on the weekends.”

These activities include Special Olympics events at the Groton Community Center, where he bowls and enjoys basketball, painting nights, movie outings, and more. On weekends, he goes to Bingo night, where his caregivers celebrate him with personalized prizes they know he loves, like crossword puzzles, bubble poppers, and clicker pens.

Khamisi’s mom marvels at the changes in her son and sends UCP frequent messages of appreciation. On his birthday, she partnered with his DSP team to throw him a joyful party. All the guys turned out for karaoke, personalized décor, pizza, and cake. Jennie says she loved watching Khamisi proudly announce, “It’s Khamisi’s birthday!”

Today, Khamisi has a strong rapport with his caregivers and friends. “Khamisi is thriving now,” Jennie says. “To do this work, you have to have a big heart and patience, especially with those who may not trust you immediately. We work to gain that trust here at UCP. Because I’m a parent, in the same situation as many other families served by UCP, I want to be the biggest advocate.”

Jennie also credits strong leadership and a supportive culture for her long tenure at UCP. “The Director of our Residential Program, Kim Levy, has taught me to open my eyes and be aware that everyone is not the same; people have different needs, abilities, and feelings,” she says. “The agency is flexible to my needs as well, and it's family‑oriented. I appreciate that. We’re taught the value of good teamwork, and everyone is kind to each other.”

At UCP of Eastern CT, success is measured in everyday increases in independence. Khamisi now does his own laundry, makes his lunch, and gets support with grocery shopping and errands. He has become proficient on his tablet and is savvy with his phone. He keeps his apartment immaculate and loves to tell staff, “I just vacuumed and mopped the floor!”

Most importantly, Khamisi is working in landscaping at CW in Norwich for a competitive wage. This opportunity, along with his growing independence at home and in the community, represents the kind of life donors help make possible.

This year, Khamisi is being honored as UCP’s Golf Ambassador. At the tournament, his story and progress will be proudly shared, thanking golfers and donors for the generosity that helped him move from isolation to belonging.