Benjamin's mom entered a Huntington drawing at a High School Holiday Fair. To her surprise, her son Benjy's name was chosen, so he came in to the Bay Shore, LI Huntington for a free academic evaluation.

Benjy's mom shared with us that Benjy has several disabilities and she was not sure if Huntington could even help him. In school, Benjy struggled tremendously, more because he was absent so much in kindergarten (and now first grade), and the class was moving too fast for him to keep up.

Benjy works in a self-contained class and in December 2010 when he came to Huntington we learned through his academic evaluation that he was a non-reader and was missing skills from pre-kindergarten. Benjy's mom was so happy to hear that we would be able to help Benjy, she enrolled him in a six-hour-a-week program. Huntington met with Benjy's mom monthly and conducted school visits. He completed his program in June. It was remarkable to see this little boy who battles so much every day now reading. And he loved it. He would point out signs around town and tell his mom he was going to go read independently when they were at home.

Not only did the Huntington staff and Benjy's mom notice the dramatic improvements, Benjy's teachers at school were also amazed by his progress. At the end-of-year meeting, the school psychologist was so amazed by the progress that her recommendation was to mainstream part of Benjy's day for second grade into a general education class—Benjy was capable of the work for the first time ever. We all had tears in our eyes at this meeting.

Benjy's mom came to Huntington on a whim, thinking the problems her son had were simply a part of who he was and inherent with his numerous health and other struggles. She never thought Benjy was capable of the things he now does well. Benjy will be back to Huntington next summer for enrichment.

FROM: Benjamin