Lorene was born and raised in Southern California and is the mother of two children. Her son was diagnosed with ADHD at age 5 and later diagnosed with autism and a mood disorder at age 18, making it difficult to access Regional Center services. Over the course of nearly 10 years, he was denied services four times because he was not considered “severe enough.”
Determined to get her son the support he needed, Lorene often put her own career on hold to help him manage daily life, regulate his emotions, and navigate the challenges of finding appropriate services. She remained steadfast in her advocacy, knowing he needed more support than she alone could provide.
When Easterseals entered their lives, everything changed. Her son finally received the services he had long needed, allowing Lorene to pursue her own goals, earning her bachelor’s degree at age 50 and building a career in the workers’ compensation industry. Today, she is grateful for the stability and growth her career provides while knowing her son is supported by caring professionals who are committed to helping him succeed.
