A Bond Beyond Sight: The Story of Myles and the Schippel Squad

Every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and connected. For youth with developmental disabilities and complex support needs, therapeutic residential care can provide the structure, compassion, and individualized support they need to thrive. Myles' journey at Schippel House is a powerful example of how meaningful relationships can change lives.

A New Beginning at Schippel House

When Myles first arrived at Schippel House, a Hoyleton Youth and Family Services therapeutic residential program for youth with severe developmental delays, he was just 15 years old. Born blind and developmentally delayed, Myles experienced the world through sound, touch, and emotion. From his very first day, the Schippel House team — affectionately known as the Schippel Squad — embraced him with open arms and open hearts.

Helping Youth with Developmental Disabilities Thrive

Through Hoyleton's trauma-informed approach to therapeutic residential care, Program Manager Claudia Lewis and the Schippel House team helped Myles develop communication skills, confidence, meaningful relationships,  and grow into the best version of himself. Every day focused on individualized care, skill development, communication, and helping Myles experience greater independence and confidence.. Over time, Myles’ personality began to shine through — a perfect mix of curiosity, humor, and sweetness.

Claudia remembers him fondly. “Myles was the perfect combination of mischievous youth and sweet boy,” she shared with a smile. “He would laugh so hard when he knew he had our attention.” That laughter became a joyful soundtrack to life at Schippel House, reminding everyone that connection doesn’t always come from words or sight — sometimes, it’s simply felt.

The Importance of Family Involvement

As Myles thrived, so did the relationship between his family and the Schippel Squad. His father, who had been understandably anxious when Myles first entered residential care, quickly noticed how deeply the staff cared for his son. Over the years, they built a strong partnership grounded in trust and compassion. The Schippel team kept Myles’ family closely involved through regular updates, photos, video calls, and visits.

After seven and a half years, Myles aged out of the residential care program at Schippel House. While the team celebrated his transition to a new residential home closer to family, saying goodbye was bittersweet. Myles had become more than a resident — he was family.

A Reunion That Proved the Power of Connection

Almost a year later, Claudia and several team members made the three-hour trip to visit him. They were nervous and excited, unsure if Myles would remember their voices after so much time apart. But as soon as they greeted him, something incredible happened. Myles smiled, laughed, and instantly recognized the people who had loved and cared for him all those years — without ever seeing their faces.

That reunion was a moment of pure joy. It was proof that the bonds built at Hoyleton Youth and Family Services go far beyond sight, sound, or distance. They are built on compassion, trust, and the belief that every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and loved for who they are.

Compassion That Lasts a Lifetime

Claudia and the Schippel Squad carry Myles’ laughter with them every day — a reminder of why they do what they do.

At Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, connection isn’t just part of the mission. It’s the heart of everything. Myles' story is a reminder that therapeutic residential care is about much more than meeting daily needs. It is about building trust, fostering independence, strengthening family relationships, and helping every young person reach their full potential.

Trauma-informed care helps children and young adults with developmental disabilities experience dignity, connection, and hope, creating relationships that continue long after they leave our programs.

 

A Success Story: Jon’s Journey with Hoyleton Youth and Family Services

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow in a safe, supportive environment where they can build confidence, develop life skills, and form meaningful relationships. 

Through foster care, residential therapeutic care, and compassionate support, Hoyleton Youth & Family Services helps youth overcome challenges and prepare for successful, independent lives. Jon's story is a powerful example of how those relationships can last a lifetime.

Entering Foster Care at a Young Age

Years ago, a young boy named Jon entered foster care at just nine years old. He came to live in the residential program at Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, where he remained until he turned eighteen.

Despite the many challenges he faced, Jon’s warmth and ability to connect with others left a lasting impression. As one person said, he always knew how to “find his fans”—and he had plenty of them. Several years ago, he was hired at Sparta Dairy Queen. Jon excelled there, winning the hearts of customers and colleagues alike.

Building Confidence Through Community

Beyond work, Jon built meaningful relationships in his community. A group of Sparta police officers took him under their wing, even making him an honorary officer, complete with a uniform and occasional visits to the police station. His biggest champion, however, was Tami, a Hoyleton staff member who became his legal guardian. Since his first “home” visit when he was 13, Jon became part of her family, sharing in holidays and celebrations as though he had always belonged.

A Family That Lasted Beyond Foster Care

When Jon aged out of foster care, he moved into a CILA home in a nearby town, but his connection to Hoyleton never faded. For more than twenty years, he has stayed close to Tami and many staff members. In fact, when Jon celebrated his 40th birthday, both the President and CEO of Hoyleton and the Director of Residential Services joined in the festivities—proof of the strong bonds he continues to share with the Hoyleton family.

Jon’s story is one of resilience, community, and love. It demonstrates that the impact of foster care extends far beyond providing a safe place to live, it is about building relationships that empower young people to thrive throughout their lives.

At Hoyleton Youth & Family Services, those relationships remain at the heart of everything we do. Whether through foster care, residential therapeutic care, family services, or ongoing support, our mission is to help every child discover their strengths, achieve their goals, and know they always have people who care.