Most of you may not know this but our 15 year old son, Nick, was diagnosed at an early age as being high functioning autistic. My wife, Janice, has recently set out on a mission to create a charity here in Vancouver Washington in Nick's name for Nick and other children who suffer from this terrible condition.
One of the many challenges that children like Nick suffer with is that they find it very difficult to socialize with other kids. Because of this, they are often paralyzed with fear when being put into social situations with people who they don't know. Janice's idea is to have a local place where autistic children can come to socialize, play, and to just be themselves. This recreational center, of sorts, would be a free and safe place for them to come and just hang out for a while. They will be free to just be themselves. They would gain valuable experience in life skills that you and I take for granted.
Janice is out of the office right now and I just left this note for her on her computer. The following 7 tips are loosely taken from a keynote speech by Kevin Carroll that we were able to attend a few weeks back at the Keller Williams Family Reunion.
Nick's Pad - A Plan
1.Commit to it- Your desire must come from deep within.
2.Seek out encouragers- Sustaining your life's work cannot be done alone. You must build relationships with people who have genuine interest in you and appreciate you commitment.
3. Workout your creative muscle - Pursuing your life's work requires constant creativity because the path will not always be obvious.
4. Prepare to shine - Each day is an opportunity to live out your life's work. Take advantage of it.
5. Speak up! - Never accept boundaries imposed on you by others. Don't let anyone hold you back.
6. Expect the unexpected - Some days there will be setbacks. Other days will present windfalls and opportunities that will further your cause. Watch for them and take advantage of them.
7.Maximize the day - Each day contains 86,400 seconds. That is 86,400 opportunities to make a difference. Don't waste any of them!
So why am I posting this? I am hoping to call on my Active Rain friends, associates, and mentors for help and guidance. Although we both volunteer for many charity foundations and events, we have no experience organizing and launching such an endeavor.
What kind of attorney will she need to set this up in order to operate within the law and to be a completely legit charity? Do you know anyone who may be willing to take on this project pro bono or really really cheap?
Is anyone aware of any advocacy groups for autistic children who may have grant money or support for a project like this?
Any tips, guidance, or advice is greatly appreciated. Of course once we are set up and able to accept them, donations (LARGE and small)will be greatly appreciated.
I know that times are tough for everyone in the real estate industry right now and I want you to know that help and guidance is currently more valuable to us than money.
Thank you in advance and wish us luck!
When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark Countyand we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area. Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service.
About $35 later, I am stumbling out the door of her shop like a liquored up teenager on Bourbon Street and pondering her sales technique. How can I use this type of strategy for my business? Here are some of the keys to her success.
