Access Services Inc

Why I support Access Services...

Some people look at children with disabilities and the first thing they might notice is a wheelchair. Maybe they will notice the loud sounds some of them make at inappropriate times or the braces on their legs. Since some children are non-verbal, people might not realize their intelligence, sense of humor or desire to engage with those around them. But at Access Services, they see other things. They see the different ways people are smart. There are no tests that can capture it. They see young people, who because of their autism, have a superior ability to focus on details and sustain attention when immersed in activities they love. They see students with cerebral palsy, and although every movement they make requires exceptional effort, they push through to claim their independence and complete daily activities that many of us take for granted.

Sometimes the challenges children face are more difficult to outwardly observe. Our communities are able to document and measure truancy and delinquency statistics, but the underlying causes, including mental health issues, addiction and abuse are often invisible and more difficult to quantify. It is certainly easy to become overwhelmed!

At Access Services, they meet these challenges with innovative programming, exceptionally committed staff and evidence based, strategic intervention to transform the lives of the children and teens who they serve. Where others see hopelessness, they see potential and possibility. It is common for others to view children with disabilities as “broken,” needing to be “fixed.” But at Access Services, they passionately believe that all children are “whole.” They deserve the best opportunities to develop, thrive and engage productively within their families and communities. I support Access Services because they share my commitment to making this world a better place for individuals of all abilities. They back their philosophy will concrete action, affecting thousands of lives a year, with a focus on creating a meaningful difference one person at a time. I hope you will join me in supporting Access Services. Learn more about them at www.accessservices.org

What inspires me to give to Access Services (www.accessservices.org)?

It’s simple….LOVE! I love to see all the smiling faces working on a project at day program after I spent countless hours of prep time at home getting an arts and crafts or a sewing project ready to be worked on. Then to see the excitement radiating from everyone when a project is completed because they are so proud of themselves for what they just did.

The endless hours of donated time and money don’t stop there; I am always going to yard sales and thrift shops to find that wonderful “bargain” for day program because there is never enough money for everything we need. I scour the retail stores for end of season, 90% off sales for items that can be used for next year’s craft projects or remade into something else.

I also donate my time by soliciting friends, neighbors and relatives for arts and crafts items, etc. after they become empty nesters as well as much needed items for some clients such as clothing and even food. I have collected and donated a car load of boxes of food for a client’s family that was going through hard times which brought tears of joy from my client and his brother.

So again.…I give to Access Services because it’s all about LOVE!