PEOPLE

Students: Stories of Triumph

Meet Devin Drozen


When I first came to The Hatlen Center, I was shy and nervous, and I didn’t know the area. I was thinking to myself, I don’t know if I can stay here, but then I told myself I would give it a shot, and see how it goes. For the first week, I had to get used to my apartment and I was homesick. But then I met Louis and Brandy and all the other students and we started hanging out and having fun. I met all the teachers and they helped me out and made me feel at home.

Now I have learned how to go places, like to the mall, and how to cross streets. In living skills I learned how to cook a whole bunch of stuff! I never really got to cook before. I can do my own laundry now, too, and go anywhere I want. I never had to pay bills before, and I have become really good at paying my bills online, it’s so easy! I also learned how to use Zoomtext so I can see the computer screen better, and Ron taught me how to type much better than I used to. And the kayak and ski trips were great!

I could have just gone to Merced College after high school, but I wouldn’t have the experience or confidence in cane travel, cooking, cleaning my whole apartment, paying bills, and living on my own, so I’m really glad I came to The Hatlen Center first. Now I’m not afraid, I could go to live in any apartment because now I know what to do. Best of all, I’ve made so many new friends. This program is awesome! I like it so much, it’s going to be hard to leave!

“The Hatlen Center has been a life-changing experience for Devin. Before, when my husband or I suggested that he try something new, he would become frustrated and irritated and say, ‘I can’t do that,’ and he wouldn’t even try. Now when he comes home to visit, he says things like, ‘Mom, can you teach me how to do that?’ He is so confident and happy now! Thank you so much for all you have done for Devin.” — GeGe Drozen, Devin’s mother