Every Thursday afternoon at Sunshine’s lively Hootenanny dance party, something simple and beautiful happens. Beka spots Darius and flashes an excited grin. Darius offers his hand, helping her up and leading her to the dance floor. Their friendship speaks volumes without saying much at all.
Beka and Darius first connected while working side-by-side on Sunshine’s housekeeping crew. Darius encouraged Beka every day and together they kept the Vocational building spotless. When COVID-19 forced a shutdown, both felt the absence deeply. But when they finally returned, their reunion was pure joy. They spotted each other across the room and reconnected instantly, sharing the biggest hug.
Since then, they’ve naturally gravitated toward each other. “They always look forward to seeing each other at any Sunshine event,” says Victoria Hackett, Direct Support Professional in Vocational. “They’re both happy, friendly people,” adds staff member Annelise Wannemacher. “They love to laugh and have fun and that energy really shines when they’re together.
They even have a funny tradition. Darius will ask, “Where’s my nose?” Beka laughs, gently taps or grabs it, and they both burst into laughter. It’s an inside joke they’ve shared for years. Beka even has Darius’s name programmed into her communication device, a quiet and powerful reflection of how much he means to her.
At Sunshine, friendships like theirs form across homes, programs and everyday routines. Darius and Beka’s bond is just one of many stories that show the power of shared experiences.