Community Matters - Fred's Story

When the spirit of community comes alive, something extraordinary happens, not because of grand gestures, but because people choose to see, love, and lift one another. Fred’s story at DDM’s Jasper Home is a shining example of what that looks like in action.

A Game Fred Loves

At DDM’s Jasper Home, you’ll often find the residents, Ryan, Mark, and Fred, enjoying their time together in a recently renovated home that’s warm, welcoming, and full of life. Among their favorite pastimes is bocce ball, a simple game that’s brought them countless hours of laughter and connection.

No one enjoys the game more than Fred. A longtime DDM resident of over ten years, Fred is known for his joyful spirit and determination. Though he faces mobility challenges, that hasn’t slowed him down. He’s active, social, and happiest when he’s outdoors — especially when there’s a bocce ball in his hand.

A Disappointment Turns into Unsuspecting Joy

Earlier this year, Fred was set to participate in a bocce ball tournament through the Special Olympics, but due to logistical limitations, he couldn’t be accommodated. It was disappointing news. DDM staff, including Amanda Blocker (RSC), worked tirelessly to find a way for Fred to join, but when it became clear that it wouldn’t be possible, Fred still managed to keep his spirits high, even as he quietly wondered if his chance to play in a tournament would ever come.

The Power of Community

What Fred didn’t know was that his DDM family and community partners were already working behind the scenes to turn that disappointment into something beautiful.

The Jasper Home men are members of the Jasper Lions Club, where Margao Austin, mother Jasper of resident Ryan, serves as the chapter member. Moved by Fred’s story, Margo began coordinating with Joy, another dedicated club member, to plan a surprise tournament for Fred. They even brought in Dennis Chapman, the Lions Club district governor to be part of the event.

“It meant a lot to do this special thing . It was an honor for the Lions Club to host the Bocce Ball tournament for Fred!” said Margo Austin, proud mother of Ryan (Jasper Resident) and Lions Club member.

A Day to Remember

On Thursday, October 23rd, the Lions Club hosted their first-ever Bocce Tournament, right at DDM’s Jasper Home, in Fred’s honor.

The backyard buzzed with laughter, cheers, and applause as Fred stepped up for the first throw. When he looked around and realized the day had been planned just for him, he was moved to tears.

“For me?!” Fred said, beaming as he took it all in.

Amanda Blocker, the Resident Support Coordinator for the Jasper Home told us, “Fred was just beaming with pride as he shared his love for the game and celebrated receiving a trophy. It was wonderful to see him experience the excitement of a tournament and the joy of being recognized!”

What could have been a story about disappointment became a celebration of friendship, inclusion, and the deep sense of belonging that defines DDM’s ministry!

More Than a Game

We’ve all known the feeling of being left out — of hearing “no” when something matters to us. But at DDM, we believe “no” isn’t the end of the story. Our staff and community partners live out that belief every day through compassion and creativity, ensuring that each resident feels seen and valued.

For Fred, bocce ball isn’t about medals or competition. It’s about joy. It’s about connection. It’s about being part of something he loves, a community that cheers him on both on and off the court.

At DDM, we proudly live out our Core Values of Dignity, Partnership, and Excellence through stories like Fred’s. This is what ministry in action looks like, when a small act of kindness grows into something life changing.

Because when community steps in, everyone wins.