My Nonprofit Reviews

I first heard about the ASCPG from a friend at church who encouraged me to attend the group’s informative meeting and see firsthand the great charity work they do. I realized right away what a special and wonderful group I had been introduced to and the extraordinary opportunity this would be for my daughter who has Autism. My daughter was only 13 years old at the time andhad never spent a single day away from the family.Her travelling on her own would be a new experience for the both of us. Despite this I was very at ease, and happy at the idea that my daughter would have this unique opportunity to travel to Lourdes on her own, and I was anxious to hear the acceptance. Prior to her trip we got to know her future caregivers. They were the most caring, compassionate and patient women I’ve ever met, and we became friends instantly. Meeting them on several occasions prior to the trip confirmed my feelings that this trip was going to be something very special for my daughter.
During her weeklong trip, we were given a daily report of her travels by her two caregivers, who also detailed her journey with a photo album, a very nice and thoughtful touch! Upon her return, my daughter came back home,a different girl. She was glowing, talkative and enchanted by her trip. We also learned something new about our daughter that made us so proud of her: we have underestimated her abilities and understanding of the world and people around her. We were told that every night, she would hold hands with her roommate to help her fall asleep, as she was having a tough time being away from her family. My daughter showed remarkable perception for an individual with Autism as they usually have difficulties identifying emotions, let alone knowing what to do to help.
We were also told about another story that the caregivers called the “Lourdes’ miracle”. My daughter befriended a younger girl from England who stayed at the same hotel as the group. This little girl was no-verbal but they, somehow, engaged in a “conversation” each time they sit next each other. On the last morning of the trip, upon seeing my daughter, that little girl would not stop saying my daughter’s name to the surprise and delight of her parents, hence the Lourdes miracle.
We are truly grateful for the ASCPG in giving my daughter the trip of a lifetime. In fact, the ASCPG gives the pilgrims, their families, the youth group and the volunteers/caregivers a trip of a lifetime. It is not a surprise that many chose to go back time and time again as it seems to be like a life changing experience.
Thank you ASCPG!!! God bless.