Look up “ambassador” and Adam White’s picture may show up beside it. In the case of Five Counties Children’s Centre, Adam defines that term.
Adam is a strong advocate and promoter of the life-changing work that goes on here for kids and youth receiving treatment for physical, developmental, and communications challenges. Adam brings a unique perspective, as a Five Counties volunteer, former board member, past chair and — perhaps most significantly — a client who received treatment at Five Counties for many years.
At nine months of age, Adam was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and it was for that reason he came to Five Counties. I’ve known Adam since he was a pre-schooler, as he was my very first client when I started at Five Counties as a new therapist in 1982.
Adam describes “growing up at Five Counties,” and he sure knew his way around (and to) the Centre. During our treatment sessions, he could tell you the exact route (street-by-street, including directional turns) to get to Five Counties. His attention to detail was evident even back then.
Adam was always very articulate, and it was obvious that he was very bright, even at the age of four. In fact, he used his verbal skills to distract staff and clinicians away from his therapy sessions, which truthfully were hard work for him.
He was blessed with supportive parents who had expectations for him, and were able to keep him focused on both his therapy and life goals. They supported him, pushed him, and knew when to let him go.
Adam received treatment for several years at Five Counties, took part in many of our recreational programs like sledge hockey, and eventually volunteered in those same programs.
As an adult, he became an educator and returned to Five Counties as a volunteer and board member.
Adam’s experience as a client at Five Counties has brought a unique perspective to the board. His insight as a former client and current teacher and educator has been invaluable. Adam served many years on Five Counties’ program and services advisory committee and, in that forum, his input and ideas were very helpful to me in my current position.
Like others, Adam realizes that with changes in medical research and diagnoses, the needs of kids being seen at Five Counties change constantly. Adam supports the notion that, to meet a changing caseload, Five Counties must work smarter to be there for clients and their families at the right time, in the right place, with the right kind of service and intervention.
It is bittersweet to see Adam stepping away from the board at Five Counties this year, but perhaps timely given the new role he starts this fall as an elementary school vice-principal.
Fittingly, Adam was the keynote speaker at our recent annual general meeting. It’s always emotional to hear him speak, given the passion, poignancy and personal stories he relates about Five Counties. That was in evidence in comments he made in a recent video recording.
VIDEO: Adam’s Story
“Growing up at Five Counties really meant that I had a place to come to where I felt very welcomed, where I felt a lot of joy, but on the other hand, I also felt like I was coming to a place where people had high expectations for me,” Adam says in the video. “Early on in my life, that gave me the sense that really I could do anything I put my mind to. My parents told me that, and the staff at Five Counties told me that. When you take that atmosphere as the foundation and for your life, you can’t help but benefit.”
As a clinician working day-to-day with a child, it’s hard to picture them all grown up. In Adam’s case, I feel fortunate to have an ongoing connection and see all that he’s achieved.
When Adam talks about all that Five Counties has done for him, let’s not forget all he has done for us. Our staff feel a strong sense of pride and satisfaction from any role Five Counties may have played contributing to Adam’s success.
