NeW EnDeAvErS...

Jeff and I are finally activating some of our goals that we have had for some time. Things are in place for our autism foundation to start up. So far, we applied through the state to create our own non-profit business. It is called, "North Central Kansas Autism Foundation". This foundation is totally non-profit, and we will be seeking funding, grants and donations to help families in North Central Kansas to learn more about autism, support them, give them resources they need to become a successful family with autism. Budget cuts in Kansas have been severely slashed for mental health agencies to come into homes and help families like ours. It is sad. We are losing 1/2 of our therapy appointments and 3/4 of our case management through our mental health agency. Some ask, "Why don't you go to another agency"? We would but in our state the only agency we are "allowed" to use is one specific agency to receive services (respite, case management, therapy). Basically the state is screwing over families like ours who really need help keeping their loved one home (and not hospitalized, but guess what? the state did away with state mental hospitals too). So, there are a lot of families in this very under served area that needs help. Some of the things we will do will be monthly activities (probably on a Saturday). Things might include: Therapeutic horseback riding, painting on canvas, physical fitness, and the best part is that it is going to be FAMILY based. It will include all of the family, not just the autistic child and their parent. So many of these kinds of things ONLY include the person with autism and caregivers. The siblings get left out. Not here! All family members will be able to take part in everything we do, and we fully encourage that. As this point, we have about 5 board of directors. Its a time game now. We are waiting on state papers to come back, and we need to raise $400 so we can apply for non-profit status. Once that happens, we can raise money and get started! Anyway, that's what is new there.

I look forward to having something new to do. Something to put my mind to.