It’s Kyle S.’s 26th birthday, and there’s plenty to celebrate for this resident of The Guild for Human Services’ Framingham House.

He just moved down the hall to his new room, which he is eager to show off to a visitor. He’s also excited about his mom Nancy’s birthday gift, a small baboon that immediately takes up residence in his vast collection of stuffed animals. He points out the recently earned Special Olympics swimming medals hanging from his bed post. His dad, Hank, calls on the phone to wish him happy birthday and they talk for several minutes.

Just a year ago, Daniel Sedov spent much of his time alone in his room, interacted infrequently with other people and often avoided his own personal care. Not anymore. Since joining The Guild for Human Services’ Walpole House, the 23-year-old looks forward to participating in his day program through Willow Tree Habilitation, has developed a camaraderie with his housemates and staff, and manages his morning and evening care needs with minimal assistance.