By Linda B Hall | Founder
2020 was quite the year, for many of us it felt like life was put on pause and for others it was like life as we know it was over. What an emotional roller coaster it has been for us all. As I connected with our families, the more I realized the importance of finding ways to service them in a way that works for their special needs. Every person is unique, everyone is differently abled yet share a common thread, the need for human connection.
We tried the virtual thing and found relief for some. Seeing friends online on a screen worked for some of our special needs families and friends but then we had others who were not ok with this. One of our young adults expressed how depressed the virtual, physical distancing made her and how it really upsets her. She expressed that she doesn't feel like life is worth living if she can't see her friends and hug them. This is so heartbreaking, the more I tried to help her look on the bright side the more upset she got. Many kids or young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder have a really hard time processing certain information and things can feel really hard and extreme.
Since starting this campaign, we have had:
1) Virtual dance parties every Friday night.
2) Weekly support groups for moms
3) An in-person Halloween Hang Out
4) Virtual Christmas Party
5) Virtual New Years Eve Party
Our goal is to be able to provide more one on one and specialized services in person to those families who are struggling with the online services. With a mobile center we are able to provide services to more families. We continue to raise money for a down payment for the mobile center. In the meantime we are getting to know our families and our students better, knowing exactly who needs what and when. We wouldn't be able to do what we do if not for the generosity of kind and compassionate people like you. Quarantine and COVID is 100x scarier when you don't understand what's happening or why you can't be with or hug your friends. Please help us reach our goal by sharing our project with your friends, help us reach more families and show them they are not alone during these scary times.
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