Lellow Foundation
Donation protected
This is my story (skip to the bold section for the condensed version)...
Four years ago I took a job at a prestigious learning center which implemented evidence based interventions for children with learning difficulties in reading, spelling, and math. These interventions specifically focused on the sensory-cognitive functions necessary to decode and comprehend words and language. After working for this company for several months it was safe to say I had “drank the juice.” The work they did changed lives. Children came in with various learning needs and left with a new light in their eyes, excited for school, and proud of the 80 plus hours of hard work they had invested during their summer “vacation.”
I left that company after a year to continue my own education, which at the time was in pursuit of a Master’s Degree in School Counseling. Through the course of earning this degree I realized that my true passion lied in Special Education. I decided to return to school to earn a Master’s in Special Education and joined a one year training program which prepares teachers to work in Chicago’s high-needs areas.
I trained for one year in one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods on the West Side where I taught (under a mentor teacher) Special Education Reading and Math to 4th-6th grade students. Following this I took a job at another high-needs, low-income school in Chicago Public Schools.
After two years of working in the public school system, I became increasingly frustrated and my heart broke for my students. What I saw were children with such great potential being pushed through a broken system in which their individual learning needs were not being met. The emphasis on high stakes testing and rigorous curriculum took precedent over the exceptional learning needs of the students identified as “diverse learners.” Additionally schools were not appropriately staffed to provide a conducive learning structure for students of the highest need. Even the most fortunate students who were blessed with a great teacher, were still crippled by the system which made it nearly impossible for them to ever be independent in the classroom. It frustrated me even more to know that there were so many great resources out there for children with different learning needs, yet none of my students would ever have access to these opportunities because of their economic situation.
I am now living in Houston, TX, and I have returned to that prestigious, yet wonderful private learning center at which I unknowingly began this incredible journey. I am starting a non-profit organization to raise funds for children with exceptional learning needs, living in underprivileged circumstances to obtain the learning interventions and resources which they need to reach their highest potential. My organization is called the Lellow Foundation, named in honor of my Uncle Johnny who had Down Syndrome and has since passed away. Johnny's favorite color was "lellow."
I had my first consultation with an attorney down here in Houston and I am ready to set this dream into motion. My initial out of pocket costs will be $995 (attorney fees) plus $900 (state and federal 501(c)3 filing fees), totaling $1,895. I am eager to begin raising funds for children who need it most, and with your contribution, I will be able to focus my efforts on changing the lives of children who are struggling daily in a system which is teaching them to hate learning, a system which is telling them that they are not capable.
God set me on this path 4 years ago, and I had no idea what I was getting into. I fell in love with Special Education, and quickly recognized the incredible need for change in this broken system. I am beyond thrilled to begin this project with your help and I am overwhelmed at the thought of how many lives will be changed. Your contribution is greatly appreciated, not only by me, but by the children who are waiting for the help that they need, and the education that they deserve.
Four years ago I took a job at a prestigious learning center which implemented evidence based interventions for children with learning difficulties in reading, spelling, and math. These interventions specifically focused on the sensory-cognitive functions necessary to decode and comprehend words and language. After working for this company for several months it was safe to say I had “drank the juice.” The work they did changed lives. Children came in with various learning needs and left with a new light in their eyes, excited for school, and proud of the 80 plus hours of hard work they had invested during their summer “vacation.”
I left that company after a year to continue my own education, which at the time was in pursuit of a Master’s Degree in School Counseling. Through the course of earning this degree I realized that my true passion lied in Special Education. I decided to return to school to earn a Master’s in Special Education and joined a one year training program which prepares teachers to work in Chicago’s high-needs areas.
I trained for one year in one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods on the West Side where I taught (under a mentor teacher) Special Education Reading and Math to 4th-6th grade students. Following this I took a job at another high-needs, low-income school in Chicago Public Schools.
After two years of working in the public school system, I became increasingly frustrated and my heart broke for my students. What I saw were children with such great potential being pushed through a broken system in which their individual learning needs were not being met. The emphasis on high stakes testing and rigorous curriculum took precedent over the exceptional learning needs of the students identified as “diverse learners.” Additionally schools were not appropriately staffed to provide a conducive learning structure for students of the highest need. Even the most fortunate students who were blessed with a great teacher, were still crippled by the system which made it nearly impossible for them to ever be independent in the classroom. It frustrated me even more to know that there were so many great resources out there for children with different learning needs, yet none of my students would ever have access to these opportunities because of their economic situation.
I am now living in Houston, TX, and I have returned to that prestigious, yet wonderful private learning center at which I unknowingly began this incredible journey. I am starting a non-profit organization to raise funds for children with exceptional learning needs, living in underprivileged circumstances to obtain the learning interventions and resources which they need to reach their highest potential. My organization is called the Lellow Foundation, named in honor of my Uncle Johnny who had Down Syndrome and has since passed away. Johnny's favorite color was "lellow."
I had my first consultation with an attorney down here in Houston and I am ready to set this dream into motion. My initial out of pocket costs will be $995 (attorney fees) plus $900 (state and federal 501(c)3 filing fees), totaling $1,895. I am eager to begin raising funds for children who need it most, and with your contribution, I will be able to focus my efforts on changing the lives of children who are struggling daily in a system which is teaching them to hate learning, a system which is telling them that they are not capable.
God set me on this path 4 years ago, and I had no idea what I was getting into. I fell in love with Special Education, and quickly recognized the incredible need for change in this broken system. I am beyond thrilled to begin this project with your help and I am overwhelmed at the thought of how many lives will be changed. Your contribution is greatly appreciated, not only by me, but by the children who are waiting for the help that they need, and the education that they deserve.
Organizer
Nicole Serle
Organizer
Missouri City, TX