Normal Nonprofits and Charities

Adopted a 3 yr old apricot miniature poodle at a PetSmart event. He had been with his foster mom for about 3 months. His owner dumped him off and didn't fill out any paperwork. He was adopted once from PCH and returned. Then he lived with a foster mom for 3 months before I adopted him. I called PCH to get some background on Bennie. I asked if I could leave my phone number and ask the foster mom to call me so I could get some insights on what I'm dealing with and how to help him. There is no doubt there has been trauma in his life. He is not house broken, not leash trained, does not know how to go up or down even one step. He is afraid of people. He doesn't bite or growl. He's full of fear. He runs around in circles incessantly, whether inside or outside. I am making progress one day at a time, baby steps. I'm not ready to give up on him because he's not "perfect", but I expected PCH would at least put me in touch with his foster mom so I knew what her experience was with him. All I heard from the guy who answered the phone at PCH, was unfortuately I can't give out that information, and I won't/can't give his foster mom your phone number to get in touch with you. He told me to take him to my vet and get anxiety medication or hire a professional dog trainer. He was ZERO help, no wonder poor Bennie keeps getting returned. Their policy is that if you are happy with your dog, great. Otherwise, return him once again & we will give you a partial refund. That doesn't help poor Bennie lead a better life. Apparently, no one in his young life so far has cared enough about him to actually help him. I'm trying my best to help him.

EAC is a one-of-a-kind place that Central IL is fortunate to have. They are focused on the word Ecology: the relationship of people to their environment. It worked in the 1970's and it still works today. This definition allows them to go many directions and yet stay true to their purpose. They work to educate, train and involve the community. They start young by taking their message direct to the schools. They are always open to discussion about new directions to go. Their amazingly small staff cover so many bases it is a wonder to watch. They highly deserve financial support and praise from the community they serve so well.

I came across SPANDANA by chance. I was really impressed with the concept as whatever I thought should be there for public service is included by SPANDANA. <br> <br> ' Pratibha Scholarhsips' in particular is a Wonderful Concept. The execution of the concept is admirable. This is based on my personal experience. <br> <br>One of our relative - a brilliant student who stood first in Prakasam District in Inter could not do so well in EAMCET because he could not afford Good College coaching. <br> <br>After he took admission and was in dire need for Scholarship, I thought people like him should get help from SPANDANA and it was applied. <br> <br>Somehow there was no response. I felt something is wrong as in my view he is one of the most eligible persons for scholarship. I wrote a mail to SPANDANA hoping that reply might come with in a week. <br> <br>To my surprise, reply came immediately and that too from top person i.e Nidamanaru Nageswara Rao garu. After checking back, I was informed that student is not lifting the phone. After due verification, scholarship was granted. <br> <br>Hats Off to Spandana People for the Concept and the Execution of the same with Total Dedication. <br>regards <br>Gurram Krishna Moorthy <br>gurramkrishna@rediffmail.com <br> <br>

We had a great time at the Taylor Bugs Kisses SMS camp when we went two years ago. My son Mikey (who was 3 years old at the time) enjoyed interacting with his camp counselor, rolling around in the ball pit, playing with the therapy toys, swinging in the swing set, and dancing with the other kids. It is difficult to find playmates and activities for my son, due to his developmental disability, SMS related behaviors, and the fact that he's nonverbal. But at camp, he can feel free to be himself and meet other kids just like him. There were fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, such as a boat ride, zip lining, and a manicure for the moms, to name a few. The siblings also had activities and a camp counselor. The most beneficial aspect of camp was simply to meet other parents of SMS'ers and just feel like a normal family, while also getting a break from our little ones thanks to the wonderful camp counselors.

Not happy about what I just read in the newspaper today regarding the basketball games cancelled because of bad weather. It said "these games will not be made up". These young people have been practicing every day for a chance to go to the basketball semi finals. So now, because of no chance to play the games, just so many teams will be chosen to compete in the semifinals. What about all the young folks who have not even gotten their chance. This is just not right. Shame on Special Olympics Illinois.

This organization is phenomenal in their compassion and desire to help animals in their own community. They take more dogs from the local animal control facility than all the other rescues and shelters combined. When others turn away dogs because they are too old or need vet care or are the "wrong" breed, Wish Bone finds a place for them. This is the premier rescue group in McLean County, Illinois. Seriously.

In 2000 my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. With no resources and no idea where to turn I began researching. I knew the information I learned could help other families so I sought out a way to share information by producing a resource booklet distributed through our local school system. About the same time, there was a man with a disability who was shot by police for forgetting to pay for gas. I was appalled and scared, worried that without community wide education that that could one day be my son. Through grass roots efforts, with the help of other parents and educators we founded the Autism Society of McLean County to address the lack of awareness, education and networking. 15 years later, we have accomplished much, my son has friends in the community, parents have needed resources, we raise awareness through our Autism Friendly Community initiative and have truly built a community around the abilities of our adults and youth with autism spectrum disorders. I was raised to believe "what goes around comes around", our giant efforts in a small community have proven that. We are truly blessed to have each other to inspire and guide us.