We are raising money so that Jonah can continue growing academically and socially through his education at Independence Academy - a great school that is perfect for someone like him. 
 
Thanksgiving: First of all, we are so thankful for everyone that has supported Jonah’s education! Jonah understands the sacrifice that has been made for him. Recently, we had a conversation about how he feels about his school and what it means to him that people are donating to help him go to his school. Here are some of the things he said: He was "surprised in a good way"; They are "very much an encouragement"; "They always give us support when we need it"; It is "very cool!"... Thank you! 
 
Jonah's History: Jonah was diagnosed with Autism when he was 2 years old. After a lot of prayer, we decided to move to Indiana, where from the ages of 3-11, Jonah received ABA therapy for over 40 hours a week. After he graduated out of ABA therapy, he went to public school for the first time without a one-on-one therapist. This proved to be a terrible year as his grades fell and he was bullied. We pulled him out at the end of 4th grade and homeschooled him for three years. Four years ago, we decided he needed more than what we could give him at home. We considered public school again, but Jonah has a very difficult time communicating and copes by scripting. Scripting makes it very difficult for people to accept him and for him to learn at the same pace as typically developing kids. When we spoke to Jonah about going to public school again, his anxiety went through the roof. He said, with unusually crystal-clear communication, "That would be death to me." We researched and found a school that is just for kids with Autism, called Independence Academy (IA). We created a GoFundMe and with the financial help of our friends and family, we were able to apply and enroll him in this fantastic school. He has had 4 wonderful years of actively participating in learning, gaining life skills for his future, and building relationships. 
 
Highlights from Jonah's 11th Grade Year: Jonah successfully completed all of his classes and his teachers praised his participation. During the course of the year, Jonah participated in Music Club, Animation Club, and After School Tutoring. Every Wednesday, he was able to go to “HANDS in Autism” to participate in their HANDSmade program in which he learned employability skills (<a href="https://handsinautism.iu.edu/target=_blankrel=noreferrertarget=_blankrel=noreferrertarget=_blankrel=noreferrer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hands in Autism Website</a>). To help with his social growth, his school hosts many after-school and night events. For example, this year he was able to participate in the school “Prom” (the picture below is of him dressed for this event). 
 <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/91752027_1749751549875526_r." alt="91752027_1749751549875526_r." /> 
About Independence Academy: IA is a great school that is accredited, has a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and is supported by or affiliated with some of the best Autism organizations in our state. For more information about Independence Academy, click here: <a href="https://www.iaindiana.org/target=_blankrel=noreferrertarget=_blankrel=noreferrertarget=_blankrel=noreferrer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IA Website</a>
 
The Financial Need: Jonah has again enrolled at this school for next year, and he is looking forward to continuing his journey with IA. Jonah was able to obtain scholarships totaling $8,273.77. Unfortunately, that does not cover IA’s current tuition of $19,030.00. This makes it very hard for his parents to afford, who are both educators. 
 
Our Request: We are once again asking for your help so that Jonah can continue in a school where he feels like he belongs... A school where he can learn at a pace that is manageable for him... A school that cares about him… A school that will help him transition into the next stage of his life... A place where he can build upon the relationships that he has already started. We would truly appreciate anything you could donate. Thank you for your consideration!

Anonymous

Kathy Spraggins

Jennifer Holland Byrd

Brian Babcock

Keep Jonah Learning and Growing

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Keep Jonah Learning and Growing

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