Bringing Out the Best : Carson Therapeutic Program Reduces Isolation, Loneliness for Developmentally Disabled

Mentally handicapped and taunted as a youth because of his disability, Vincent Jones now moves among the crowd at the Carson Therapeutic Program with a confidence that eluded him just a few years ago.

“They used to call me stupid and other things,” Jones, 28, recalled of his boyhood in Compton. “They made fun of the way I talked. It hurt.”

But today, thanks largely to a city-funded program, Jones has become something of a role model for the others who have come to the municipal-operated program for encouragement and assistance. His speech problems are far less evident, he is the star of the basketball team and the best dancer at the program’s mixers. He even helps with instruction at a weightlifting class.

“I like it a lot,” Jones said. “It’s fun; I get to see my friends.”

Designed to provide special help to people like Jones, the program is geared toward fostering independent living skills among the city’s developmentally disabled, reducing their isolation and loneliness, said T. J. Rogers, program coordinator.

“If they didn’t come here, they’d sit in front of the TV at home or just go to sleep,” Rogers said. “This is something for them to do in the evenings and see their friends. It keeps them fit too.”

Officials say the program is one of only a few of its kind in the South Bay. Classes and activities are held almost every day of the week at parks and at the Carson Community Center. Participants, whose disabilities vary, must be able to feed themselves or be able to go to the bathroom without assistance in order to enroll in the program.

Many in the program suffer from autism, Down’s syndrome or Alzheimer’s disease. Others, like Jones, are mildly handicapped with mental disorders.

The program, which is offered at no cost, began 10 years ago and is open to those 16 and older. About 200 people are enrolled in the activities, which include courses on human sexuality, tutoring in basic math, reading and writing, instructions on how to use buses, and exercise classes.

Kim Brentlinger, 28, who has Down’s syndrome, was among a group working out in a recent exercise class. Some struggled to clap their hands as part of the routines. Others moved awkwardly to keep step with music blaring in a park recreation room where the class is held.

Brentlinger, however, and the others were clearly enjoying themselves.

“I like it here,” she said.

Her mother praised the program as an important element in her daughter’s life.

“This keeps her busy, and she gets enthused about it,” said Dolores Brentlinger, a Carson resident.

Some of those enrolled in the program are able to work at jobs tailored to their abilities, such as packaging telephone books or assembling plastic frames for area companies. Jones works part time stocking shelves and unloading trucks for a Toys R Us store in Cerritos. He proudly shows off an Employee-of-the-Month award.

After work, a special shuttle bus takes Jones to a licensed care home in Carson, where he has lived for 10 years with four other mentally disabled people.

“When I first got him, it was the worst thing I ever saw in my life,” said Lucille Fields, 68, who operates the home. “He was loud and boisterous, telling untruths. He’s a different person now. He’s a gentleman.”

Jones refers to Fields and her husband, Buddy, as his “parents,” saying the couple has helped him mature. “I’m good for them too,” said Jones, whose birth mother resides in Compton.

Jones credited the Carson Therapeutic Program for aiding in his development and increasing his independence. Indeed, much of his life now revolves around its activities. He shines in talent shows as well as in sports, where he pitches in to teach others.

“He’s very, very charismatic,” said Jeffrey Judge, a recreation assistant in the program. “People notice him when he’s helping out. I think he sees that as kind of a reward.”

Rogers praised Jones’ competitiveness, especially in basketball.

“He can hit a three-pointer from anywhere on the court,” Rogers said.

But there is one area where Jones hasn’t excelled.

“The only thing I can’t do is swim,” he said, pausing, “not yet.”