One Family. Three Generations. A Place to Belong.

This GivingTuesday, help more families grow with OCCTAC.

For the Lopez family, a Picture of Hope looks like three generations cheering each other on. It’s Miriam turning her love of fashion into a boutique, Elizabeth stepping up to the microphone, and Elijah bringing joy to the people around him through music and the arts. Together with their mom, Patty, and grandmother, they show what it means to have a place to grow and people to celebrate with.

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Meet the Lopez Siblings

Miriam: From Early Start to Mimi’s Butterfly Boutique

Miriam, the oldest of the three siblings, joined OCCTAC’s Early Start program as a toddler and grew up exploring music, dance, and visual arts. When Patty was considering an autism evaluation for Miriam, another OCCTAC mother encouraged her to take that step. Patty found people who understood what she was going through and reminded her she didn’t have to figure it out alone.

Today, Miriam practices communication, decision-making, and everyday responsibilities in OCCTAC’s Self-Determination Day School Program. She’s putting those skills to work at Mimi’s Butterfly Boutique, her small venture selling clothing and fashion items through a local thrift shop. From organizing merchandise to talking with customers, she’s building experience and confidence doing something she loves.

Elizabeth: Finding Her Voice

Elizabeth has been part of OCCTAC since she was a baby. Through the Preparatory Arts programs, she grew from a shy little girl into a confident performer. Today, she sings lead in OCCTAC’s Rising B band, plays guitar, and takes jazz and modern dance classes. The arts have given her room to try different things and the confidence to share what she loves with others.

Elijah: Sharing Joy Through Music and the Arts

Elijah, the youngest of the Lopez siblings, also came to OCCTAC as a baby. He’s grown into a talented young performer who brings joy to his family and those around him through music and the arts. For Patty and their grandmother, seeing Elijah share the stage with Miriam and Elizabeth is a chance to celebrate how far each of them has come.

Help More Families Find Their Place

This is the heart of OCCTAC: a place where every child belongs, every talent is nurtured, and children of all abilities can discover their potential together.

Your GivingTuesday gift helps sustain arts, education, and therapeutic programs for people of all ages, from young children to older adults. It helps make room for more moments like these: a first performance, a new skill put to work, and a family finding people who understand.

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Thank you for being part of this Picture of Hope.

One Family. Three Generations. A Place to Belong.

This GivingTuesday 2026, help more families grow with OCCTAC.

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