Woman Notices Man With Down Syndrome Waiting Alone And Instantly Knows Something Is Wrong

Dec 26, 2018 by apost team

We all lead busy lives. While there are many people in need around us, we often never take the time to help them.

We become so preoccupied with our own lives that when we see someone that might be in trouble, we either act out of apathy or fear. Thankfully, this story is about a woman who acted out of kindness and bravery.

The story of Jillian Hamm in Colorado is quickly going viral after she stepped out of her comfort zone, and in doing so, likely saved a man's life.

Jillian saw that there was a man outside of her neighbor's house. He had down syndrome and was waiting all alone.

Though many other people kept walking past, Jillian knew there was something that was off about the situation. In a post she shared to Facebook, Jillian explained that the first sign of trouble was that it was very cold outside and she saw that the man wasn't properly dressed for the weather

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In 30 degree weather, Jillian knew the man would get sick if he stayed out in that weather any longer. Thankfully, Jillian is a behavioral analysis at the Behavior Services of the Rockies. She spends most of her life helping others.

As her main focus is assisting others with special needs, Jillian immediately knew she had to step in. She was likely more cognizant of what was going on than anyone else might've been in her situation.

As soon as she knew something was wrong, she went towards the man.

She began to ask the man questions to find out if he was okay. Jillian asked him to explain what he was doing. The man was confused and couldn't answer what was happening, why he was there, or what he was doing. She knew the man needed to get help, so Jillian called the police.

While she waited with the man, Jillian offered him snacks and water. The man was grateful for the snacks and even drank four cups of water. She then invited him to her home to help him get warm. He said no at first and Jillian was happy that the man was apprehensive and careful around strangers.

Jillian shared that she always teaches her clients to avoid going into a stranger's home. The officer arrived and the man decided that he could safely enter Jillian's home. Once in Jillian's home, the man saw an Xbox system and was excited about it. Jillian invited him to play.

As he played, Jillian warmed up the food that he brought with him.

The man had gotten on a bus trying to go visit a friend. He had the wrong address and ended up in front of Jillian's neighbor's house--alone, confused, and lost. 

With the officer's help, the young man found his way back home. Jillian finished her Facebook post with some keywords of wisdom:

"Don't be afraid to approach people with disabilities if you feel something isn't right! You could be saving their life!"

Jillian knew that if she hadn't stopped, things could've gotten much worse for the man. It was Jillian's kindness that led to this man being safely returned to his home. Jillian likely saved the man's life.

What a powerful story about compassion! Have you ever experienced anything like this? Tell us your experience in a comment below!