As many of you know, my sixteen year old son, Terrence, is autistic. Our family's journey at the MDE school began eight years ago. Prior to his enrollment, Terrence had not thrived in other programs he had attended and had been turned away from a few other special needs private schools. I wasn't sure what to do for him and I was starting to loose faith until I was told about this school. Terrence was accepted and spent the next two years gaining knowledge and skills which had been told to me by experts he would never be able to achieve.
After the two years, he left to be homeschooled. We did this because not only had the school taught him, but I too had developed skills through my involvement so I decided to dedicated one on one time with my son over the next six years.
Last year prior to his return, I had been desperately seeking a vocational school for skill training, which catered to special needs children. I knew that I needed help with his transition into adulthood where he would have more exposure to real world experiences to help him in becoming as independent as possible.
To my surprise, I found out that MDE was opening it newly formed vocational school this fall. I can not tell you how ecstatic I was!!!!!!!!
By providing this unique opportunity of attending a vocational school, MDE is providing our kids experience in real life situations and giving them valuable tools needed for his/her autonomy and self reliance. This increase in independence and productivity can empower our young people to feel they are valuable members of their community.
Being that MDE provides a unique education to elementary, middle and now vocational training for high school students, it is very important to fund these programs so that a wider range of students will have the resources and opportunity to thrive and receive the necessary skills they need.
While the bulk of the school's funding comes from tuition, these funds fall short of what is needed in order to provide all students the very best academically, socially, physically, and emotionally. As a result it is a must to look beyond the normal source of income. Raising money for this school is imperative in order to purchase upgrades to technology, add new programs, such as the vocational school, purchase necessary equipment, and provide additional training for teachers. Additionally, our children often times require the use of special learning materials and adapted equipment as well as a number of other concessions for the safety and wellbeing of each student. In order to fulfil these needs and keep the cost of tuition affordable, fundraising is a must.
Since the start of the pandemic, the school has not been able to do its usual face to face events, so this thirty-six hour online fundraiser is something new. I hope after reading my story you may find it in your heart to give to this cause. And please know that not only would your generosity be greatly appreciated but it would be giving our kids hope and a reason to reach outside of themselves and beyond what they ever thought was possible.
