Single Mom & Autistic Child Need Help
Donation protected
I am raising funds to buy a cargo van and convert it into a creative and musical hub for my autistic son Joey. Music and arts have been essential to his development which has dramatically deteriorated due to his residence staffing shortages related to C19. Joey is only interested in his iPad when I see him. I hope this share this joy with other children when Joey is not using it.
I have been devastated by Joey's recent regression. The stress associated by this situation is more than I can bare alone – especially as a single mom.
WHY A VAN?
During CI9, I rented a van from Home Depot, which was the only way I could see him. Inside, I placed a keyboard, a small rug, snacks, and music sheets with large print. He surprised me with how he acclimated to the space and has been asking for “the van” ever since. This van will be a place where he can look forward to playing piano and painting. the space will be a place for Joey, a place for him to express himself and have fun.
If successful, this model could have broader implications for how we deliver enrichment programs to children with autism. It could potentially be used by other children as well. Using a van to help with quality of life issues and provide respite, art and music won't stop here.
ABOUT JOEY:
Joey came into my life at 10 days old from foster care. He was diagnosed with autism at 15 mths, and I adopted him at 2 ½. Joey is now a gifted 11-year-old living in a residential home and struggles with severe aggression and attention deficit disorder which interferes with his ability to interact and learn. He also has myopia and is legally blind. However, at age 3, he had perfect music pitch and showed extraordinary talent in the arts.
Special shout out to Joeys past dance instructor, Valerie Levine!
I have been devastated by Joey's recent regression. The stress associated by this situation is more than I can bare alone – especially as a single mom.
WHY A VAN?
During CI9, I rented a van from Home Depot, which was the only way I could see him. Inside, I placed a keyboard, a small rug, snacks, and music sheets with large print. He surprised me with how he acclimated to the space and has been asking for “the van” ever since. This van will be a place where he can look forward to playing piano and painting. the space will be a place for Joey, a place for him to express himself and have fun.
If successful, this model could have broader implications for how we deliver enrichment programs to children with autism. It could potentially be used by other children as well. Using a van to help with quality of life issues and provide respite, art and music won't stop here.
ABOUT JOEY:
Joey came into my life at 10 days old from foster care. He was diagnosed with autism at 15 mths, and I adopted him at 2 ½. Joey is now a gifted 11-year-old living in a residential home and struggles with severe aggression and attention deficit disorder which interferes with his ability to interact and learn. He also has myopia and is legally blind. However, at age 3, he had perfect music pitch and showed extraordinary talent in the arts.
Special shout out to Joeys past dance instructor, Valerie Levine!
Organizer
Liz Rubin
Organizer
New York, NY