Being A Part Of The Answer: Ms Beverly
Note: this post was pulled from our archives to highlight some of our Powerful Parents of Autism - as we celebrate International Women’s Month, 2019
Throughout Autism Month, we've been committed to introducing you to some of the wonderful families that we have the pleasure of working with... and so this week, we'd like to introduce you to an awesome client, supporter, and member of The Answer Inc Family - Ms Beverly Childress.
buzz: How long have you been a part of The Answer and what brought you to become a part???
Ms Beverly: A friend of mine, named Beverly Gray, kept inviting me because she knew I had a special needs child and thought she would enjoy some of the things going on here - like the classroom setting of Spectrum University, and the dance aspect of the MUSIC N ME program.
buzz: looking back, from the time you became a part of the answer, til now... how has The Answer Inc impacted your life???
Ms Beverly: I would say it's been great, because as a special needs individual, my daughter Rashanda feels like she is in college - I tell her SPECTRUM UNIVERSITY. Also because she loves to dance... so she's getting exercise and learning nutrition in a structured environment. Additionally, it gave her an opportunity to not be glued to me because she is an only child so she needs more than me - she needs a life - with her peers. There she has friends and they do things and I want that for her.
buzz: The Answer Inc is dedicated to improving and enriching the quality of life of families impacted by Autism and/or other Developmental Disorders by providing support, resources, education, recreation and advocacy. What's your favorite part of what The Answer Inc does???
Ms Beverly: I would have to say the parent meetings. There is so much there... from the sharing of resources, to ideas for behavior modifications. There, in the sprit of iron sharpens iron, we are forced to think about important things, like our child's lives without us and the need for / ways to prepare for that time.
buzz: As the organization grows, is there something you would you like to see down the line???
Ms Beverly: In those same meetings, we often birth ideas aimed at taking advantage of the power of working together. for example, we've talked about the potential of group home, and how we can create an environment where we ensure our children are safe, and taken care of, and have everything they need. An environment where they are more self sufficient and independent - where the dream of dropping by, and seeing how they are doing - can become a reality. I would like to see us come together and make something like that happen.
buzz: is there anything else that you would like to say, add, share or that you would like people to know??
Ms Beverly: If more people would open their hearts and their minds to assist someone with special needs, I think it would be great. I'm not saying that if you know a special needs person, come and take them to the movies... but every little piece helps. Their are many organization like The Answer inc that can really benefit from you stepping in and helping out where you can... and if you don't want to physically do anything, then financial help is always great and most often the only way that programs for individuals like Rashanda - get funded. So do what you can, when you can, as much as you can.
I would like to thank Ms Beverly for taking the time to sit down with me and I hope that you've enjoyed hearing from her as much as I enjoyed talking to her.
Note: this post was pulled from our archives to highlight some of our Powerful Parents of Autism - as we celebrate International Women’s Month, 2019
With state budgets being cut regularly, it is only through your support that we are able to continue in our commitment to being The Best Autism Awareness and Support Agency in the Chicagoland Area and to continue delivering on our promises to the families that we serve.
Remember that a portion of your contribution is tax deductible and your kindness never goes unrewarded. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at 708- 296-5651.
