Vincent Gleason didn’t expect a part-time Direct Support Professional role at Liberty Resourecs to become one of the most meaningful journeys of his life. When he began working with Kyle in 2018, the goal was simple: get out into the community and build a routine.  But, those short trips quickly turned into something more.

Vincent and Kyle have traveled more than 60,000 miles together, visiting hundreds of restaurants and exploring communities across New York State. Kyle loves to travel, and Vincent made sure that passion had room to grow:

• • • • As lifelong baseball fans, Cooperstown became one of their favorite places. Vincent and Kyle visited the Baseball Hall of Fame and enjoyed walking through the town together.  It is one of their most treasured travel memories together and they hope to visit again soon.
      • The duo also visited the Soaring Museum, an aviation museum that preserves the history of motorless flight. Together, they created a day centered around discovery and learning as well as lasting memories in Elmira.
      • Another stop on their travels was to the Purple Painted Lady Festival in Palmyra that features more than 400 artists, vendors, and food trucks. This lively community event is filled with art, color, and social connection.
      • Locally, Vincent and Kyle also make regular trips to Destiny USA and the trails along Onondaga Lake. This allowed them to support Kyle’s goals of staying healthy by walking no matter what the weather looks like outside.

Along the way, Kyle has become a familiar face in the community, so much so that he is truly missed when he is not around. “Every Saturday, we’re out trying somewhere new, it’s become our thing,” Vincent shares. “People notice when he is not there and always ask about him. Kyle isn’t just part of the community anymore, he’s someone everyone looks forward to seeing.”

More than 60,000 miles later, Vincent and Kyle’s story is still unfolding…one trip at a time.