Main fundraiser photo

Edmund's Updated School Tuition

Edmund Joseph is a wonderful 12 year old boy who was born with a cleft lip and palate and an extra thumb on his left hand.  He has had over a dozen surgeries - the first one when he was only four months old.  He is a happy, loving boy who has taught me the meaning of unconditional love, patience, and appreciation of the small things in life.  If you would like to know more about Edmund, you can visit his CaringBridge page at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/edmundjosephreese

This picture was taken when he was almost 6 years old.

In January of this year my sweet 5th grade boy was diagnosed with Autism, and finally all the dots were connected.  I have always known that Edmund is special, and now I can help him get the education that will be the most effective for him. 

He was teased in school this past year, and he felt unsupported by his homeroom teacher.  He is worried about going back to this local public school, so I have been looking at options.

In June he was accepted at the Independence Academy, a wonderful private school just a few blocks from my work!  We toured the school and Edmund took a placement test.  The staff and students made him feel very welcome, and he loves it there.  It is a school which serves high functioning students on the Autism spectrum, with teachers who are especially trained to meet the unique needs and challenges of these young people.  https://www.iaindiana.org/ 

The school does not accept the state voucher, so even with the financial assistance offered to us, I will still have to pay $7,200 for the year.  I gave up hope and have inquired at four local parochial schools and other public schools, but no one will take Edmund because either there are no seats available or there just aren't enough special education teachers.  I simply can't send him back to the local public school where he is afraid of being bullied and believes the teachers won't support him.

I am currently in the middle of a very difficult divorce, having been a victim - make that survivor - of domestic violence.  Edmund's father is paying nothing to support him and his five brothers and sisters who still live at home with me.  I humbly ask that, if your heart is moved to help us, please (1) pray for Edmund that he will have a successful school year wherever he ends up going, and (2) please consider contributing to his tuition so that he can attend this wonderful school that will be able to meet his needs.

The first day of school at Independence Academy is August 9th.  I have about one week to make a commitment to the school, which means I need to know that I will be able to honor the tuition agreement.  I would be so grateful if I am able to send Edmund to Independence Academy, because he would be able to get an education that is perfectly tailored to his needs, and he would be just a few blocks away from me.  Thank you for reading our story, and thank you for your prayers.

Organizer

Gina Marie Allen
Organizer
Indianapolis, IN

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