History: William is a fun, loving 7-year-old boy who was born with Down Syndrome. I met him a year and a half ago. I was 23 years old, had just graduated from Kennesaw State University, and was working in his special needs class at a local public school. At this time, William was living in a neglectful home environment. When William would show up at school, he was very dirty. He reeked of cigarette smoke and urine. He often had soiled underwear and dirty clothes. Furthermore, he was always very hungry and had dark circles under his eyes. It was clear that his physiological needs were not being met.  William was having difficulty progressing with his academics because he would not attend school on a regular basis. He had half a year of absences for one school year.
Unable to tolerate the neglect, I one day went to the school's social worker to discuss my concerns for William's wellbeing. She was very familiar with William and his family and did not seem surprised by my concerns. In fact, there had been an ongoing case about William's wellbeing for years! I found out that William was the oldest of four young children and lived with his mom. In tears, I asked if there was anything I could do to help him. I even asked if there was a way I could take him, but she told me that DFCS was no longer removing children from homes unless they are physically or sexually abused. When I left her office I knew that  I wanted to help this boy, but I was going to have to do it on my own and that is exactly what I did.

Present: Fast-forward a year and a half. William has been living with me since June 2014! I am his legal guardian and I have an ongoing relationship with his mother and his adorable younger sisters. I think of him as my son and I cannot imagine my life with out him! He is so bright and has a wonderful sense of humor. Regardless of what he has been through, he does not stop smiling! He has so much potential to grow to be a positive member of society and have a strong level of independence, but right now we are playing catch up. William's history caused him to miss many critical moments of development, especially considering his many school absences.
Fortunately, we were blessed with the opportunity for him to attend Jacob's Ladder School this summer. This is a beautiful school that has 1:1 instruction for special needs children and William has been thriving! I always knew William was intelligent, but thanks to Jacob's Ladder we can access William's full capabilities and teach him at his challenge points. My greatest wish for William is for him to reach his full potential and I know that Jacob's Ladder is helping him to do exactly that. I want to give him the opportunity to progress for at least another school year at Jacob's Ladder. He would attend for 9 hours a week after public school. Unfortunately, I cannot afford the tuition on my own and I am reaching out to everyone for help. Please help William get the education he deserves. I know with your help he will continue to jump hurdles!

Anything is greatly appreciated!