Posted 5/3/2024
On April 19, a family in Merakey’s Stepping Stones Plus program in Ellsworth, PA was honored at Beacon’s 2024 Eleven-County Exceptional Parent/Caregiver Awards. Dixie has been a dedicated caregiver to her great-grandson Carter during his mental health journey. During her speech at the event, Behavioral Health Therapist Site Lead Cayla Komondor shared:
“When I was asked to nominate a caregiver for this award, it didn’t take me long to make my choice. Of course, all our families are dedicated caregivers and work hard to ensure their children receive the support they need. But not all of them have stayed so positive while they have had a fight on their hands. Dixie is the great grandmother to one of our consumers, Carter. To know Carter is to love him. He is the sweetest boy, and to work with him, you would never guess that he has had to travel a rocky road to make and maintain the progress he has made. Carter’s parents struggled with their mental health and substance abuse issues for years, and when Carter started with our program he presented as an anxious, non-speaking, aggressive boy who clung to routine and was starved for stability. Fortunately, Carter was blessed with amazing great grandparents, who despite their age and health concerns, were determined to give him a happy home and find support systems for him through school and therapy. Dixie has gone to bat for Carter in the legal and educational systems, at great cost to her financially and time wise to ensure he receives those supports. She also drives long distances for therapy and Miracle League every week and coordinates his care with minimal assistance. Dixie has continued to fight for custody of Carter and has worked tirelessly to ensure his biological parents are able to be part of his life while maintaining appropriate boundaries. She is his voice and biggest cheerleader. And if you could see the way Carter gently touches her cheek when he sees her at the end of session, you would be cheering them on along with all of us from Merakey Stepping Stones, too.”
Congratulations, Dixie, Carter, and the whole family!