Northville, MI – The Living & Learning Enrichment Center, a Northville-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, has played a crucial role in transforming the life of Keya Mirani, a 25-year-old woman with autism, by helping her achieve independence and personal growth.
Keya Mirani’s remarkable journey began in Mumbai, India. After spending her childhood in Colorado and attending college in Florida, she faced various challenges due to her learning disability, which included slower information processing, difficulties in social interactions, and struggles with abstract concepts.
Keya’s mother, Christina Mirani, who also lived in India, watched her daughter’s struggles and worried about her future. It was during this time that they learned about the Living & Learning Enrichment Center, a remarkable organization offering tailored support, job placement services, and social programs for individuals with disabilities.
Although the geographical distance between India and Northville, Michigan, seemed like a significant obstacle, Christina’s sister, residing in Northville, encouraged her to explore this opportunity.
The decision to move Keya from bustling Mumbai to Northville was daunting, but a Zoom meeting with the Center’s founder, Rachelle Vartanian, and the compassionate staff offered an immediate connection. This, along with the promise of a supportive community and specialized programs, filled them with newfound hope.
Christina shared her relief: “I almost immediately felt at home and that I didn’t need to explain everything about Keya. When my sister sent me the description of what the job counselors do, I almost started crying because it was like a step-by-step of all the things that I used to think in my head that I needed to do for Keya.”
Keya began participating in art classes and social programs upon her arrival in Northville, gradually acclimating to her new environment. The warm, caring staff and the community’s embrace of the Center’s mission positively marked her experiences.
For Christina Mirani, moving Keya to Northville marked the beginning of a promising new chapter for her daughter. The Center provided guidance, job placement services, and a support system that eased her concerns about Keya’s future. Individualized programs matching Keya’s interests, such as Girl Talk and painting classes, have opened up opportunities for personal growth and friendship.
Keya now enjoys a fulfilling life, complete with meaningful employment at a local Psychology and Psychiatric Center, independence, and a growing sense of belonging. She has even joined a local chorale group and enjoys puttering around her own kitchen on weekends.
The Mirani family’s leap of faith has been rewarded, and they are grateful to the Northville community for their support. Christina expressed her deep appreciation: “I felt that there is such pride in the community about the Center that it made me feel comfortable, welcome, and happy.”
This heartwarming story showcases the power of community support and the life-changing impact of organizations like the Living & Learning Enrichment Center.
