Michael showing off a new hat.
Michael has had an abundance of family in his life. Born to a teenage mother he has not met, Michael spent the first three years of his life with his biological grandparents. Then, from the ages of three to nine, he endured foster care. Finally, he was adopted by the Manning family in 1994. He has lived with the Mannings - his father, mother and two younger sisters -- in Chapel Hill ever since. He has been a Club House Member for one year.
In addition to the Mannings, Michael has found a family in Club Nova. His role within the Club Nova community is that of the pleasing younger brother. In fact, at 21, he is one of Club Nova's youngest members. Despite a myriad of physical ailments, Michael exudes charm and energy typical of a kid brother. In his presence, few sentences are ended without a smile and most situations are alleviated with a well timed joke. He's always eager to talk about the current triumphs -- or, more recently, pitfalls -- of the Carolina Tar Heel football and basketball teams. Jokes and sports aside, Michael genuinely cares for Club House Members, staff and volunteers. He shows this care through back massages (he claims he has "magic fingers") constant encouragement and fresh meals. [Hear Michael discuss encouragement to other members.]
Michael's main job in the Club Nova community is to cook lunch and dinner. He takes special pride in this job. He enjoys speaking of what he cooked, how he did it and, most of the time, how it easy it was. All Club House Members are invited to attend meals in the Club House dining room. These communal meals help nourish sense of family; Michael helps provide the physical nourishment. Conversely, Club Nova has been nourishing for Michael. Having reliable work to do and everyday interaction with friends has been uplifting. Throughout his life, Michael has experienced a blurring and redefinition of exactly what family is. In Club Nova, Michael has found a welcoming family environment; in Michael, Club Nova has found an excellent chef and brother-like character.
In addition to the Mannings, Michael has found a family in Club Nova. His role within the Club Nova community is that of the pleasing younger brother. In fact, at 21, he is one of Club Nova's youngest members. Despite a myriad of physical ailments, Michael exudes charm and energy typical of a kid brother. In his presence, few sentences are ended without a smile and most situations are alleviated with a well timed joke. He's always eager to talk about the current triumphs -- or, more recently, pitfalls -- of the Carolina Tar Heel football and basketball teams. Jokes and sports aside, Michael genuinely cares for Club House Members, staff and volunteers. He shows this care through back massages (he claims he has "magic fingers") constant encouragement and fresh meals. [Hear Michael discuss encouragement to other members.]
Michael's main job in the Club Nova community is to cook lunch and dinner. He takes special pride in this job. He enjoys speaking of what he cooked, how he did it and, most of the time, how it easy it was. All Club House Members are invited to attend meals in the Club House dining room. These communal meals help nourish sense of family; Michael helps provide the physical nourishment. Conversely, Club Nova has been nourishing for Michael. Having reliable work to do and everyday interaction with friends has been uplifting. Throughout his life, Michael has experienced a blurring and redefinition of exactly what family is. In Club Nova, Michael has found a welcoming family environment; in Michael, Club Nova has found an excellent chef and brother-like character.