Paul Bryant is a true gentleman. He always has a warm smile and a welcome handshake. He's a caring and observant man, always eager to offer help. He's also a grateful man, always thankful to others for the things they do for him.

Paul didn't have an easy start in life. He was only 24 months old when his father died and his mother was left with Paul and his sister Mary Kay to raise alone. Paul's intellectual and developmental needs were challenging, and his mother was overwhelmed.

At this point, his aunt Jean steps in to help raise Paul. During his time with his aunt, Paul went to pre-school and met a woman who would later become family, Loretta Lyda. Paul attended special education at Walker Elementary along with her son. During these years, his aunt Jean took Paul to the Catholic church, and Paul has been an active member of the St Pius Church since that introduction.

Sadly, at age 15, Paul's aunt Jean had a major Aortic aneurysm and could no longer care for Paul, so he went to the family of Loretta Lyda, who would later adopt him and raise him alongside her son, who is the same age.

Like his Aunt Jean, Loretta did a good job of parenting and encouraging Paul. All who know Paul agree that he is one of the sweetest, hardest-working, well-mannered, and most grateful men around.

Paul started working at the Edwards Center in 1991 in our employment program. There, he worked in a variety of community job settings, as well as at Edwards Enterprises.

In 2008, Paul came to live at our Denny Road group home and continued working at Edwards Enterprises, where he demonstrated a desire to work hard, be on time, and do whatever job he was asked to do. Co-operative, hardworking, and positive are words his supervisors always use to describe Paul's efforts.

In 2013, Paul moved to our new Lynne house with several residents he had lived with previously. From there, he moved to our Hart Street home, where he currently lives with three other men.

Anderson Construction Company hired Paul in 2017, and he is now a valued employee. Paul works in the staff break room, making coffee, cleaning, and doing light janitorial work. Paul is so loved that in September, Anderson Construction declared a "Paul Bryant" day and honored him with a potluck lunch and many gifts. As Paul's supervisor says, "Paul is a treasure," someone we should aspire to be more like.

During the 33 years Paul has been served at Edwards Center, he has distinguished himself in many ways. As an avid Beavers fan, Paul wears a wide selection of merch, and he looks forward to staff taking him to the Civil War game annually. He's a fan of old '70s TV Shows, soap operas, and music from the 80's. He loves outings with our activity's director, Captain Fun, and is willing to try new things without reserve. At Edwards, Paul has a full life. He loves our game days, dances, carnivals, and other community events.

The money Paul makes at his jobs, he saves to go on vacation. Paul loves to travel, and he has lots of photo albums with sweet memories of his travels with staff to share. Paul has traveled to Hawaii, Disneyland, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and Las Vegas as well as many instate destinations. 

At this time of year, we are reminded that Edwards Center is not just buildings where activities occur and places where residents live, but we are a community where long-time friendships are forged, dreams are realized, and greater independence is achieved. We are incredibly proud that we are able to offer residential, vocational, and recreational supports that create a good quality of life for Paul and others like him. This holiday season we want to let you know that we are deeply grateful for the trust and support you have shown us.

Your contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to accomplishing our mission annually. Your support means the world to us and, most importantly, to all the individuals Edwards Center serves. Thank you for helping us make a lasting difference.