Testimonials

Parents

“We are profoundly grateful for the Moving Forward staff's professionalism and quality that has enabled our daughter to make such progress in learning to live independently.  This is even more extraordinary given our family's complicated situation of living abroad. We always have had the utmost confidence in the staff, giving us the security and peace of mind for this arrangement to work for these amazing 6 years."
— MF Parents, Haifa Israel                   
“My son has been a Moving Forward Resident for almost 14years. Throughout his time - in the Transitional Program and in Community Living - he's received invaluable training, guidance, and leadership from the MF staff. The staff members he has worked with have been competent, compassionate, and creative. They have encouraged responsible decision making and have offered emotional support. My husband and I live 600 miles from Napa, but through phone calls and email the staff has worked in partnership with us, and our confidence in their abilities and their judgment has given us peace of mind."
— MF Parent, Salem OR                   
“Our daughter has been part of the Moving Forward Program for over 10 years. Not only has Moving Forward created a life of hope and unexplored potential for her, it has allowed us as parents to celebrate peace of mind as she continues to grow and expand in all areas of her life. With a unique blend of professional and friendly support services, coupled with a family feel, 'magic' has happened. Job placement, independent living skills, active and appropriate social skills, to name a few.  Moving forward has created a life for our daughter that we never thought possible before her placement.  Words always seem inadequate as we express our appreciation to the program and it's exceptional staff for the stable, happy and balanced life our daughter is experiencing." 
— MF Parent, Squim WA                 
“As a Napa resident, I see my son once or twice a week; typically for our Tuesday night bowling league and some weeks for a Sunday night dinner.  Over the years I have seen him grow in his independence, his willingness to try new things, and his ability to initiate.  His Moving Forward case manager is constantly bringing my son opportunities to try new things such as new foods to prepare weekly for dinner group, and most recently, using his cell phone camera to explore the world of photography.  The case manager provides me with regular reports so I can reinforce his efforts in conversations with my son.  I have been especially pleased with the success of Moving Forward's job specialist in finding volunteer activities that give my son a sense of service that goes beyond his regular paid employment.  The most recent manifestation of this is acting as a coach to the Napa Special Olympics bowling teams.  I am forever grateful to Moving Forward and their staff for the loving guidance they have provided over the years.
— MF Parent, Napa CA                   
"Our daughter has been at Moving Forward for four years, and it has been a time of tremendous growth for her.  She started the program with low self-esteem, still trying to find her place in the world.  Literally from the day she arrived, she felt a part of the Moving Forward family.  That sense of belonging and support has been the common denominator in how her life has turned around in the past several years.  She has gained enormously in self-esteem and in the confidence that she can handle most parts of her life independently.  The Moving Forward staff has helped her accomplish this with its caring, loving attitude, its responsiveness to her needs, and its coaching to teach her how to navigate interpersonal relationships, job requirements (including finding a job in the first place), and the daily tasks and challenges that make up an independent life.  We are grateful beyond description for Moving Forward’s help in shaping our daughter into the poised, self-confident young woman she is becoming today"
— MF Parent                   
"I am a father with a son on the autism spectrum.  My now 30 year old son has been in the Moving Forward program for the past 11 years.  I have to say I could not be more pleased with his growth, progress, and maturity on every level.  And he has never been happier!  When he first came to MF, he lacked many basic life skills and the confidence to do them, and needed a lot of direction.  Under the remarkable tutelage and encouragement of the wonderful staff at MF, he has learned to take care of himself, and for some time now has had and maintained his own apartment, his own car, his own job, and the self-confidence to tackle life’s curve balls with a much more positive attitude.  He has also just completed a series of adult education courses and earned the certificates necessary to start a professional career. Through firm, consistent and loving direction, the staff at MF has taught him so much about all aspects of his life, all the while giving him room to be himself and grow at his own pace and in his own way.  I am one very happy and proud parent of a very happy, productive and independent young man; the Moving Forward program gets all the credit!"
— Parent of a Community Living Resident                 

Residents

"I am forever grateful for all of the past and present staff. You gave me hope and a gateway into life and everything it has to offer. I’ll never forget you and what you continue to do for the residents that have come and gone.”
— Former Moving Forward resident