It was time. Her son was transitioning out of The Moore Center’s Early Supports and Services (ESS) department. For three years, Kelly Fein has been a client of our children’s services program, and during her tenure, her two boys—both with diagnoses on the autism spectrum—had been served by Moore Center staff, receiving behavioral and communication supports.
The last week of September marked the final time a staff member came into Kelly’s home to provide specialized services. And to commemorate her time with ESS as well as transmit her appreciation for their support, Kelly came in to The Moore Center with words of thanks and a giant, delicious cake.
“They have been my extended family,” Kelly said of the ESS staff.
As Kelly recounted her experience with The Moore Center, she almost immediately began misting up, which spread to the staff members surrounding her. The emotion of the moment was not lost on anyone. Kim Adams started with the department about three years ago, and knows first-hand of what ESS has meant to the Feins and the impact the supports have had on the family.
“She’s just an amazing mom,” Kim says, “and a great advocate for her kids. It’s so rewarding to see her reaction to the work we do.”
Kelly’s husband, a part-time purveyor of baked delicacies, made the cake, a delicious mélange of chocolate and butter frosting. It was a gesture quite appreciated by the staff, but for Kelly it was something tangible she could do to show her deep appreciation for the gift The Moore Center gave her:
“They gave my little boys a voice,” she says, pushing back tears. “They taught them how to communicate, how to say ‘I love you, mom.’”
