As the school year begins, there’s nothing more exciting than watching students step into new environments, discover new passions, and grow into their best selves. For Finn, this school year marks a meaningful new chapter — one filled with confidence, purpose, and joy.

Finding His Strengths Through Helping Others

Over the summer, Finn attended our Kids Like Me camp, where he quickly became known for his kindness, leadership, and willingness to help. Camp staff noticed that Finn thrived when given opportunities to support those around him. They handed him a walkie-talkie and assigned him special responsibilities — making sure other campers stayed hydrated, felt safe, and were engaged in activities.

Finn embraced this role wholeheartedly. Helping others wasn’t just something he did — it was how he participated, connected, and led. Finn’s natural leadership became the inspiration behind our upcoming Counselor-in-Training program, designed for students who shine when given opportunities to support their peers.

A Seamless Transition to Bridgeport

This fall, Finn embarked on a new adventure by joining our Bridgeport School, where therapeutic support and individualized academics work hand-in-hand to meet each student’s unique needs. Though he was initially hesitant, the welcoming environment at Bridgeport made all the difference.

After his very first day, Finn came home beaming and told his mom, “I LOVE MY SCHOOL!” He couldn’t stop sharing stories about everything he enjoyed and the new ways he was learning and connecting with others.

His mom, Diane, shared:

“Seeing a few familiar faces among the staff made the transition much smoother for him — and for all of us. It was clear that he felt welcomed, supported, and excited about this next chapter.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Today, Finn continues to grow in confidence and leadership. Whether he’s helping a classmate, diving into a new project, or building meaningful relationships, he is thriving in an environment that recognizes and celebrates his strengths.

Finn’s story is a reminder that every student’s journey is unique — and with the right support, encouragement, and opportunities, they can flourish in ways that surprise and inspire us all. Here’s to a school year full of new beginnings, joyful learning, and bright futures ahead!