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Canandaigua, N.Y. - Matt Wyckoff suffered a stroke when he was just three months old. His adoptive parents, Denny and Sue, almost lost him again months later.

But Matt is a fighter. He suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, but has beaten all of the odds.

Doctors once told his parents he would never walk. He did. They also said he wouldn't make it past fourth grade. He has an Associates Degree from Finger Lakes Community College.

And for the first time, the 21-year-old man is living on his own. He is one of eight young adults with brain injuries who are now living in the Happiness House Transitional Home in Canandaigua.

Here they will learn skills they need to transition into really living on their own.

They will grocery shop, share cooking, do chores, learn how to budget and balance a checkbook, and have the freedom to come and go.

There is also a safety net--staff is available 24 hours a day, if they need hep.

They also get a call, if they don't get home when they are expected.  Just like Mom and Dad would do.

But for Matt, it's the first taste of freedom and he is loving it.  His parents bought him brand new furniture for his apartment.

Wegmans also gave each of the residents a $200 gift card to stock their kitchen cupboards.

This transitional home is unique, one of the only one of its kind in New York State.

Matt says he looked at group homes, but they were too structured. Here, he says he can have more independence.

His parents, Denny and Sue, say they were thrilled when Matt was accepted into the home. They call it a blessing.

Terrie Meyn, Associate Executive Director of Happiness House, says this home offers residents the best of both worlds: freedom in a safe and secure place.

She says most will live here anywhere from one to three years and once they leave, will have the skills they need to live on their own.

Not only did the community in Canandaigua welcome their new neighbors, their support and donations helped build the house.

Wegmans, The Golisano Foundation and others raised more than $660,000.

For Matt, it's a chance to spread his wings. He works 30 hours at Wegmans and hopes to return to college to earn a Bachelor's Degree.

He'd like someday, to work in radio.

Matt, by the way, also has a second degree Black Belt in Karate!

He's now 21 and realizes he has come a long way. He also looks forward to his future when he can really live on his own.

See the rest here:
New Home Offers Freedom For Young Adults With Traumatic Brain Injuries