This is Gregory. He is my nephew—the son of my brother. Gregory is kind, loving, and endlessly curious. He wants to learn, grow, and create a life for himself. This is his story, and ours.

The first months of Gregory’s life were filled with uncertainty. My brother—Gregory’s father—was very sick and, although he loved Gregory deeply and was involved, he wasn’t able to care for him full-time. Because of this, Gregory came to live with our family when he was just six months old. My parents—his grandparents—stepped in to raise him, and I was always nearby, actively involved and deeply connected to his life as he grew. My brother passed away when Gregory was just three years old, which deeply shaped the course of his life and our family.

Being raised by his grandparents meant Gregory was surrounded by love and family. It also meant he didn’t always have access to the same opportunities or experiences as a child raised by parents closer to his age. This shaped his growth in unique ways—he became a kind, sweet, and loving young man, but he’s always had to work a little harder to find his place in the world and build independence.

In January, Gregory came to California to live with me—this time, permanently. Since then, something remarkable has happened. With the right structure and support, I’ve watched him come alive in a way I had never fully seen before. He is motivated, curious, and wants to work, learn, and build a life of his own. Gregory is neurodivergent and on the autism spectrum. He is capable, social, and deeply motivated—he wants to build relationships, earn a living, and create a life that feels meaningful and independent. At the same time, there are areas where he still needs guidance—particularly around decision-making, safety, and navigating the world independently. These are things he doesn’t fully understand yet, but genuinely wants to learn.

Throughout his academic life, Gregory was often placed in environments where he was seen as one of the more capable students. Because of that, he wasn’t always challenged or given the opportunity to grow in the ways he truly needed. Many teachers recognized his potential, but the right structure and support weren’t always in place to help him fully reach it. What’s become clear is that when Gregory is in the right environment—one that meets him where he is while also encouraging growth—he responds in an incredible way. He wants to be self-sufficient. He wants to work. He wants to feel proud of what he can build for himself.

Everyone who meets him—teachers, therapists, mentors—sees his potential right away. When Gregory was accepted into the College Internship Program (CIP) in Long Beach, the team shared how excited they were for him to join—not just because of his needs, but because of who he is. They described his enthusiasm, his openness, and his genuine desire to learn and grow. That moment stayed with me, because it reflected exactly what I’ve always seen in him.

About two years ago, I discovered CIP and knew immediately it was designed for someone like Gregory. Getting here has taken significant emotional and logistical work, and we recently received the call that he has been officially accepted for the August start of the 2026–2027 program year. We could not be more proud or excited for what this opportunity represents.

While the program’s tuition is expected to be covered through Regional Center support, the required living expenses—including housing, utilities, and daily support—total approximately $44,000 for the year. As Gregory’s primary support, I am responsible for helping make this opportunity possible, but I cannot take this on alone. These living expenses are not optional—they are what allow Gregory to live in the program, develop real-world independence, build social connections, and begin to understand what he is truly capable of. Without this piece, he would not be able to attend.

My hope is not just for him to attend a program, but to gain the tools, confidence, and experience needed to build a future where he can be as independent as possible. I’ve seen what happens when he’s given even small opportunities to grow—each time, he returns more confident, more capable, and more excited about what might be possible for his life. This next step has the potential to change everything.

If you feel moved to support Gregory’s journey, any contribution—no matter the size—will help us move closer to making this opportunity possible. Even sharing this with others can make a meaningful difference. Thank you for taking the time to read his story and for being part of this moment with us.

With gratitude,

Michelle