Twenty-five years ago, I heard those words that every parent fears when their child is born. The change in the doctor’s expression before they tell you that there is something wrong with your newborn. My son Enrique was born blind. Then, two years later he was diagnosed with autism. He would require full-time support during his entire life. Everything had changed... and most important: What will happen to Enrique when I am no longer here? One of the main problems for parents like me is finding a place where their child with special needs can live a happy life in a home-like environment with friends and social activities after they have passed. Enrique, and others like him have challenges and limitations, but they are sweet and interesting people, who desire a quality of life that includes friends, fun and happy times. The lack of options for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) lead Enrique's dad, Ernesto, to visualize a safe space where his son could not only receive the support he needs but also be surrounded by peers with similar challenges and make social and emotional connections with others, just like everyone else. Sparrows-Austin is born! Sparrows-Austin.org is a non-profit and our first goal is to provide services to six individuals with Autism and other IDDs. For Sparrows-Austin to come alive, we have partnered with a local Austin area group home that will provide the spaces for us to begin! We need help to create the spaces necessary for Sparrows-Austin to operate! Sparrows Austin also needs funding to hire our Activities Director and other staff! Below, you will find the projects and wish list items to get this party started! Activities Director hire Activities Staff hire Activities supplies and equipment Vehicle to transport 6 individuals Furniture and Equipment Accessible Restroom Interiors Finish-out Garden and site work Animal Habitat Health Hut and equipment Fire safety installations Site accessibility upgrades Join us by donating to Sparrows-Austin and help to create a safe and supportive living environment along with meaningful experiences that enrich the lives of adults with Autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) Visit: Sparrows Austin for more information! Sparrows Austin is proud to be a nonprofit organization that operates under the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. As a nonprofit, we rely on fundraisers to meet the needs of our participants and staff and to operate sustainable programs. Donations not only help to improve the wellness of participants but also help to increase the community’s capacity to understand, embrace and support these individuals through enriching engagements.
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