June 3, 2024 • 32 mins
This week, we speak with Elena Cassella, Executive Director of Foundation for Dreams. Foundation for Dreams, through their signature program Dream Oaks Camp, provides year-round weekend and summer residential camp sessions for all children with varying ability levels and chronic and/or terminal medical conditions.
Dream Oaks Camp is a place where children can go to be "normal" and parents can get a respite from their daily lives. Their unique programs focus on each child’s abilities and are specifically designed to strengthen their social skills, behavioral skills, and comprehensive profound skillset in a safe, barrier-free environment. As a child attends their program, parents collaborate with staff to identify two targeted goals for the child to progress towards while at camp. Dream Oaks Camp makes an astonishing impact on both their campers and parents, with everyone wanting to go back for another weekend!
Timestamps:
(00:00) Episode introduction and updates
(01:00) Introducing Elena Cassella and Foundation for Dreams
(04:25) Dream Oaks Camp Program
(08:00) What has to be considered for total inclusion?
(12:10) Favorite success stories for students and families
(18:50) Progress reports for the family
(20:50) How can families get started with Dream Oaks Camp?
(25:00) What can we look forward to in the future?
(28:10) How can the community help support the Foundation for Dream’s mission?
(30:57) A letter from a camper’s parent
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:02):
Welcome back to Helping
Families Go Beyond the podcastby Beyond the Spectrum.
I'm your host, Loryn Carpenter,and today we're going to be sitting down
with Elena Cassella,the executive director at Foundation
for dreams, wherewe're excited to talk to her today
as this incredible organization hostsDream Oaks Camp, an all inclusive summer
and weekend camp program for studentsseventh through 17 with unique abilities.
(00:26):
Some other updates that I want to providefor the listeners are
that we will be having our next CommunityInsight series in June,
and stay tuned to our social mediafor updates on
when that will be happeningand the subject of the meeting.
So we'll have the link for anyonewho wants to attend virtually,
and we encourage you to joinand get some valuable insight from
(00:47):
professionals and caregivers.
All right.
Well, thank you for joining ustoday, Elena.
We're excited to sit downand talk with you.
if you could just introduce yourselfand explain your role
as the executive directorat Foundation for dreams.
Yeah. So my name is Elena Cassella.
I'm the executive directorat the Foundation for dreams.
(01:07):
I've been with the Foundationfor dreams for over 13 years now.
I started in the donor development
side of things and understanding,you know, how to raise funds.
And, about six, maybe seven years ago,I was appointed as the executive director.
And now I'll oversee all operations,
(01:27):
all donor relationships,
you know, fundraising.
you know,I manage all the day to day, operations,
like in terms of, like, dream campor biggest program of the year.
you know, and our full time staff.
So that's wonderful.
And, so can you talk a little bitabout Foundation for dreams
(01:49):
and how your organization primarilyserves?
Yeah.
So, the Foundation for dreams was started
by our founder, Eddie Newark.
we are an organization whose missionis to celebrate the abilities
and develop the strengths of childrenwith special needs and chronic illnesses.
Ages 7 to 17.
(02:12):
By collaborating with families to provide
more or less individualized, resultbased schools.
we provide family support and recreationin a camp environment.
And and so our overall missionis that individuals with special needs
have every opportunity to learn and growand to work on their productive behaviors,
meaningful relationships, andthat comprehensive, profound skill set.
(02:36):
We serve we, you know, likea lot of people say, well, is there one
particular group of childrenthat you serve?
And the thing that makes us uniqueis that we are the only program
in the entire southwest region of Floridaproviding a year round residential
and day sessions for children with chronicand terminal medical illnesses.
(02:57):
children with special needs.
And and we're not limited to those,you know, unique diagnoses.
we serve children with autism.
We serve children with spinal bifida.
We serve children with cerebral palsy.
Developmentaldelays, Down's syndrome, ADHD,
if they have been diagnosed with,
you know, somethingthrough the school system or by a visit
(03:21):
physician or their pediatrician,we they would qualify for our program.
with for children with cancer.
We serve children with diabetes.
We serve children with heart conditions.
there is just a variety of camp sessionsthat are specialized to meet,
you know, those needs of each groupthat we're serving
and we're able to modify what we do forthe participation of all campers despite,
(03:45):
you know, what their physical or emotionalor developmental challenge may be.
And so that's kind ofwhat makes us unique.
And we're here in Manatee,Sarasota County.
So we're serving a lot of folks from,you know, that greater Tampa Bay area.
That's amazing.
And I know there's such a need here,especially in this area,
(04:05):
for some kind of respiteor recreational camp for individuals.
And I know that's something we'vealways loved about your organization.
Is that kind of,
that approach of just accepting everyoneno matter their diagnosis.
So we've just always lovedthat about you guys.
And, I would like to ask you guys,I'd like to ask you about your Dream Oaks
(04:25):
camp program,
because some of our students attend itand they love it, and they rave about it
while they're here.
And so, I'm just interested inwhat kind of activity activities
the campers engage in. And, just learning
more about the Dream Oaks camp,what that day to day looks like.
Yeah.
So we provide a year round and we say it's
(04:46):
quality results based program.
and so we give the opportunityfor families
and children to identify their potential.
And it's in a very healthy,inclusive environment.
So when kids come,they're engaging in adaptive activities.
they're learning new skills.
they might be workingon some type of behavioral goal.
(05:09):
but we we've all of these, you know,
individual goals into the program
so that they don't even knowthat it's happening
and they're just having a blastwhile we're working on those things.
So each theme and activity is developedwith the mindset
that a child will participateand can participate.
and soif we can't do a particular activity
(05:33):
with one child, we won't do it at all.
And so we're really focused onhow are we adapting that activity,
how are we modifying that to activity.
so that all children can participateand not be on the sidelines if you would.
a lot of our activities, you know, from aon a daily basis, you know,
we range from like arts and crafts, music,
(05:54):
drama, yoga, scavenger hunts.
we have a lot of our aquatic programswith swimming and canoeing and boating.
we do a lot of sports and gamesand nature studies,
and we bring in therapeutichorseback riding.
And, now we brought in cookingand we brought in Stem was science.
and so it's just a true camp environment
(06:17):
with tons of activities.
But then we're focused onwhat is the human gain
that comes out of that childparticipating in our program.
So yes, we're having a lot of fun,but we want to also be able to say, hey,
you know, what are those thingsthat those teachers are working on?
What are those things that those parents
or your caregivers are workingon, you know, how can we help you?
(06:38):
How can we meet that child where they areso that we can strengthen
that family core unit and have that childbecome a little bit more independent,
whether it be, you know, in the school,in the home or in multiple environments.
We want them to be successfulin their communities.
That's great.
Yeah.
And we want it to transfer overinto their adult life, you know, certainly
(07:00):
as many of our children,not all, but a lot of our children
won't go on to attend a regular collegeor hold that regular job.
But we all know that all childrenand all individuals have value.
And so what are we doing
so that they are not just feelinglike they can't do something?
You know, we want to show them thatyou have the potential to do these things.
(07:22):
Exactly. And I think that's wonderful.
And I know that's kind of an approachwe have here to about
meeting them where they're atand kind of celebrating it,
you know, just so that they're empoweredfor their own path of life.
And, you know, we understand thatsome students, you know, might not have
the same level of independence as others,but it's all about, embracing them
(07:44):
where they're at and including thembecause they're just as worthy, too.
So, I've just I've loved that.
In common with our missions.I think that's amazing.
And so when you're planningthese activities,
just for any kind of other educatorsout there, you know, what kind of things
have to be considered when you'remaking them accessible for all the campus.
(08:06):
So, you know, our
our whole facility is Ada accessible?
you know, when you walk into our cabins,
you know, you'll walk into a cabinthat has, you know,
wheelchair accessibility,you walk into our bathrooms at all.
You know, I have accessibility for all.
so when our when our staff comesand they're working on,
(08:28):
you know,
all of the different accommodationsand they're working with physical
therapists, occupational therapists,we teach them to go hand over hand.
We teach them,you know, how to transfer children from,
you know, a wheelchair into,you know, a shower chair
every single activity is adapted,you know, whether or not it be, you know,
(08:49):
adaptable paint brushes, down to,you know, the paper
or the spacethat we might need for an art activity.
If we're working on like, sportsand games, we're thinking about, you know,
we don't want a child to just be,
you know,the the scorekeeper on the sidelines.
We're making sure that that spaceis accessible for that wheelchair
(09:11):
or we're saying, okay, maybe, you know,that child might have a visual impairment.
You know, we've had, you know,our counselors put on a blindfold
and go through the obstacle coursewith them so that they can experience
what that child is experiencingat the same time.
And so, again, everything is about that.
Direct care staff member understandingwhat those individualized
(09:36):
targets are for the child to progresson while they're at camp.
And so we'relooking at the social interaction
as we're looking at the activitiesof daily living.
We're looking at their behavioral goalsand their health and hygiene goals.
And we're able to focus on that child'sstrength
and their abilities to build to facilitatethose goals through each session.
you know, our ratios
(09:58):
are no more than a 3 to 1, meaning
one counselor will have no more than threechildren, and then they will always have
a counselor in training assigned to themwith those three children or less.
so they're really having,you know, they receiving
that individualized careand support that they need.
(10:19):
to be ableto, you know, make those gains and further
develop themas they go and sustain or sustain
with the sustainabilityacross multiple settings and environments.
That's amazing.
And, how many campersdo you typically have?
over the summer and on the weekends.
So during the weekends,we run about 20 weekend camps.
(10:41):
So they, you know, at least 1 or 2 a monthwhile school's in session
and we don't really go overabout 25 campers
just because it's a little bit harderto get the staff that we're able to,
employ during the seasonal of summer and,
and then during the summer,we don't go over 50 kids.
(11:02):
so, you know, if you think about that,you know, our we have to have,
you know, at least 25 to 30 staff members,you know, on
we always have full time nurses,we always have full time kitchen staff.
Every single one of our staffmembers is CPR and first aid certified.
They do not sleep.
Kids do not sleep in the room alonewith other children.
(11:23):
There's always two staff membersin every single room that they sleep in.
So we practice two deep.
It protects the staff memberand it protects that child.
and so, you know,we we're really all about safety
and accommodation and,and making sure that the kids
are getting the attention that they needso that they're successful.
(11:44):
That really is wonderful.
Like just just hearingabout all of the thought and preparation
that goes into the carefor all of the individuals there.
I mean, thatthat's really something special.
And, I think that has just always madeyou guys so unique in this area,
because I can just tell that so much
accommodating goes into considerationfor everybody.
(12:06):
And, I'm sure the kids love it there, too.
And so what are some ofthe success stories
or some of your favorite momentswith the campers at Dreambox?
Well, I have two that I,I kind of talk about.
the first was way backwhen I had first started.
I was not really aware of the impactthat Dream Oaks has on families
(12:31):
and children,and I had met this little boy
and he didn't have use of his arms the waythat a typical developing child would.
And he really was just,you know, watching,
you know, kids around him,you know, just paint and draw
and in between sessionsbe able to just kind of pick up
a, you know,crayon and just, you know, draw a picture.
(12:54):
And so we,you know, started talking with him
and we had noticedthat he was using his feet a lot to like,
you know, learned and adapted on his ownand to use his feet
to be able to feed himself.
And so we were like, well,why don't we try,
you know, putting a crayonor putting a paintbrush?
And so our staff had worked.
(13:15):
And by the end of the week,he was then drawing with crayons
and paint brushes, and this little boywas so determined to do it.
He ended up at the end of the week at ourour award ceremony,
showing his masterpieceto all of the families,
all of the children that had attended,
you know,
the siblings that had all come to seethe end of the end of the year session.
(13:38):
Our counselors had spoke about it,had spoke about him just to termination
to paint it,and there was not a dry eye in the room.
This thing was beautiful.
And I at that moment just was like,I have to be here.
Like I had always been an advocatefor children.
I spent, you know, 20 yearsin the Manatee County
(14:01):
school system working in the inclusionclassrooms and,
you know, writing grants and writingcurriculum for Manatee County schools,
and asa reading coach and instructional coach.
But I had never seen the impactthat young adults
could make on childrenand it in quite this way.
And so, you know, that was one.
(14:21):
And the second was an impactthat one of our parents had.
and and forgive me,this is kind of a little bit of a story,
but about five years in, I was,
speaking to a parentat one of the same type of end of week
ceremonies and the parent came inand just said, you know,
(14:42):
I am just so thankful.
And she's like,I had prayed about just needing a break.
She said she had spoken to her husbandand they were getting just to the point
where their son was becoming a little bitmore than their family could care for,
and she was considering putting himto a residential treatment facility.
(15:02):
And she said it washer husband was out of town
and she had was so exhaustedshe went to bed fully dressed, woke up
after praying that nightabout what she was supposed to
do, and received a phone callfrom one of her friends from New York
who said that she was coming downto visit Florida, that their kids
were attendingthis camp called Dream Oaks.
(15:23):
And she was like,what do you mean, where's Dream Oaks?
Because this family member that was,or this family friend from New York
had had children with special needs.
And she's like,what are you talking about?
Dream Oaks is in your backyard.
Like, how do you not know about this?
Oh, wow, she said immediately.
She googled it, foundus, called us, enrolled.
(15:44):
You know, her son and,
and she's like, I needed a respite.
Like I needed to be ableto recharge my batteries.
I needed to be able to spend timewith my two daughters, my twins
who never get my timebecause her son was non-verbal autistic.
And that's really having a hard time,you know, you know, just,
(16:07):
you know, expressinghimself, to the family and we acting out
and she said, I can't tell youhow much rest I received this week.
Like, this is part of, like, our ongoing,you know, respite for our family.
We need it.
And she's like, where is he?
Like, he must be running the
the staff members, like out and aroundand you know, and he's out.
(16:31):
And because everyone was sitting
nicely watching all the slide showand I said, what are you talking about?
He's right there.
He was sitting quietly in the front rowwatching the presentations,
and she just broke down and just,
you know, it's one of those momentswhere, you know, we as educators
and those of us that work with children,you know, it's like when you take
(16:52):
when you have someone else working withyour child, you're like, oh, not my kid.
But then it was her kid and she was like,it was just that moment for her.
And and he stayed with us for 12 years.
He's recently aged out, but.
You know, it's just, again, those momentsthat you are able
to give that respite to families thatsometimes don't even know they need it.
(17:14):
they go into crisis mode because it's
hard raising children in general.
You know, it's even harder sometimes.
Not all, but it's even hardersometimes when you're faced
with just the challenges,of raising a child with special needs.
And it's uniqueand we understand what that is.
And that's why the second partof our goal, you know, in our targets,
(17:37):
is to give that family the respite,to recharge, to become a stronger family.
to go do adult things.
If you want to sleep all day, sleepall day.
If you want to go on a date night, datenight, like that's part of what we do,
you know? So
it's it's just so important.
Yeah. That's that's amazing.
And when you put it that way,
(17:58):
you know, and that that's somethingthat's happened with the staff here too.
I think when we work so hard, we kind of
forget the work that we doand how we're impacting these families.
And so it's it's amazingjust to hear from families that are like,
we really needed thisbecause and because, I'll tell you,
(18:19):
my mom is the executive director here,and my brother attends here at the school.
And so just seeing like firsthand what
that from the caregiving perspective,just how when you have a service
that can provide so much for anindividual, it it's like a weight off
your shoulders just from families,just hearing from them that, you know,
(18:41):
the work that we do for individualsin this community, just how needed it is.
And they don't even realize it.
Yeah, for sure.
And we have, you know, like for us,we have like,
you know, those measurable outcomesjust I'm sure like as you do as well.
And, you know, one of thoseone of the things that we ask is
number one, like, you know,what is the effectiveness, of our program,
(19:04):
you know, and how are we respondingto the child's progress?
And there's targets,
you know, so we have pre and post surveysand we monitor what we're doing.
You know, we're very quantitativewith what how we do it.
we document the steps and the actionstaken, how
we ensure that so successful strategiesare, you know, maintained and built.
(19:26):
And then we throw awaythe things that are not working.
So we discontinue those and at the end,we're able to give this progress
report to the families and saying, hey,this is what we did.
Try this at homeand let us know if it works
and if it doesn't, let's trysomething different.
You know, when that child comes backto us.
same thing with the families.
When the families respond, we're saying,well, how did you use that respite?
(19:48):
Like what did it provide you?
And I will tell you, 100% of our familiesreport that that respite,
you know, provided some type of abilityfor them to use,
you know, that plan break, you know,
charging or focusing on dailyresponsibilities or it's strength
(20:09):
in the family because they finally gotto have that moment that they felt okay.
Like, you know,I am a parent, but I'm also an individual
and I need to be ableto take care of myself too.
And that's okay. Exactly.
And just theyou know, sometimes when families
have that experience, that burnout,and it's just so nice to have that relief
for them, that respite, it's so important,even if they don't realize it
(20:32):
because they're so busy running on fumesto keep everything together that,
you know, they forget thatthey can have those options.
And, so with that being said,when with this,
with Dream Oaks Camp being availableoption for families if they are interested
in signing their child up,how can they get started with you guys?
(20:54):
So I'm sure
so if they go to our website,there is if you go to our program
and click on the Dream OaksCamp link, it'll take you right to,
you know, some more informationabout who we are, what we do.
But they'll be able to registerright there.
Every single session is listed.Our dates are listed.
We have right nowseven weeks, but we will do a date a week.
(21:16):
Eight, which is a day session only.
the application I will I'm not going tolie, is a little bit lengthy
just because we we need it to bewe're taking a chat overnight
usually in most cases.
And we want to know the more informationthat a child or parent
excuse me,not a parent, a child, but the parent.
And sometimes I guessa child participates in that.
(21:38):
You know,if they're able to kind of say, hey,
this works, works for me,and this is what doesn't.
But the more informationthat they give us, the better,
because they're we do, you know, sometimesmeeting this child for the first time
and we want to know, you know,what are the triggers?
What are the thingsif there are some sensory integration
that we need to consider, you know,are there some, you know, space, you know,
(22:00):
challenges that we need to consider or
do we have to have more of a specialized,you know, behavioral, you know,
analyst come inand kind of work with them, you know, so
anything that we're that we see on paper,we're going to call a parent and say,
hey, tell us a little bit more about this,you know, or this or maybe, you know,
(22:21):
eating behaviors or swimming or,you know, whatever it may be.
so that feeling,get that initial application
started is the first thingonce you start that application,
my staff is going to see thatan application has been started.
And sometimes you don't have to sitand fill it all in one time.
At one time,
my staff will call and say, hey,I see that your application has started.
(22:42):
You're only 20% through.
How can I help you? You know, finish.
and so my staff in the office
is, is really great about,you know, assisting parents.
And if a parent needs help filling it out,
you know,they can always come to the office
and we can help them,you know, fill that out.
they will we do
requirethat they have a physical, of some sort.
(23:07):
So a lot of times
we'll ask that the doctorto fill out our physical and upload that.
But we do work with a lot of pediatriciansin the, in the area,
and they are very well aware of who we areand what we do.
And so most of them, my,my nurses have visited
and they have our physicals and,
you know, on file.
(23:28):
and so from there,
you know, if a child or a family needs,
some financial aid, we're able to providethat we have never turned a child
away for the inability to paythat was one of our founders, you know,
basically wishes was thatI don't want to ever hear that
a child can't attend because, you know,they can't afford it.
(23:51):
I would sayabout 90 to 95% of our families
get some type of financial aid.
You just have to ask, you know,and if a family is in a position
where maybe, you know,last year on the tax on their tax returns,
they were sitting in a pretty comfortable,you know, financial position.
(24:11):
And this year,
you know, maybe someone's lost their jobor there is unexpected medical bills.
We need to hear that
because you might not geta full scholarship, but you might get,
you know, a partial scholarship.
So again, you know, the more a parentor family can communicate
with us, the more, you know, successfulthat child in that family will be.
(24:32):
That's wonderful.
I, I love that whole, the entire familyapproach that you all have.
I love that because I just think it's it'sso important
to have that whole family involved and,
especially with the application process.
And while the studentis at the camp as well, because I think
(24:53):
it not only benefits the individual,it benefits the entire family unit.
So I think that's amazing.
And, as you're looking aheadinto the future for Foundation for dreams,
do you have any plans
or goals for your guys's growthand what do they look like for you? All?
I always say be careful what you wish for.
Right now, we're trying really hardand become a little bit more independent
(25:17):
from the particular locationthat we're we're currently operating from.
we are looking to potentially move
in the next yearor so to a bigger facility.
but we're still waiting on
approval,you know, and so but what our hope is that
is that we if we become a little bitmore and independent,
(25:39):
we're able to servenot just our particular population.
We're able to serve maybe siblings.
We're able to do more family.
We're able to do, you know, kind of crossover and work with agencies that say,
hey, you know, we're looking at maybedoing a weekend with families, you know,
and we really want to come inand have you guys provide the program.
(26:00):
But we have some, you know,maybe a specialized, you know, session or,
you know, maybewe want to get all of this information
out for these parents, but we don't haveenough time in just an evening.
We want to do a weekend to deliver this,you know, so
we're able to kind of createthis overnight peace with families
and have these, you know,specialized camps with other agencies.
(26:21):
And just really, you know, as we're seeingthe growing needs of our community,
you know, to adapt to those needsbecause I think that,
you know, everybody's again,raising families is
it's it it'sthey don't come with an instruction book.
Right.
And so, you know, again, like even like
(26:41):
from my perspective, like I have twothat are going to be out of the house now.
And and I'm still mothering.
I'm still parenting.
and, and I feel likewhen we can take those breaks sometimes
and have that ability to kind of just sitand, like, parent with other parents
and be like children there togetherand just kind of share stories.
There's so much growththat comes from that.
(27:04):
and, and creating support systemsand so that, that,
that is our hopeand that we can do more of that
as we becomea little bit more independent.
yeah.
That's great that that collaborationis so important.
And having those other
like you mentioned, those support systemswith other families,
I know we've tried to do things like thathere, be on the spectrum
(27:26):
with our Community Insight series,and then we've had a Caregiver Connect
program that we've done here.
And it's just good to have familiesconnect with one another and,
share advice and just kind of bein the same boat with each other.
And we've just found, you know,the families that have made friendships
with each other and the parents, you know,they'll be in the parking lot,
(27:47):
they'll be dropping their student off,and then they go hop in each other's cars
and they go do stuff for the day together.
And that's awesome. It's.
Yeah, it's just amazing.
just giving them that platform,that, ability to connect with each other.
It's it's so important, as you mentioned.
And, so moving forward,how can the community
help support the Foundationfor dreams mission?
(28:12):
So, you know,
going back to probably that original storyor one of the original stories
I shared success stories,
I think understanding that
we don't a lot of peoplestill don't know who we are.
So, you know, as people find out about us
being an advocate, you know, sharingthat we are here, sharing that, you know,
(28:34):
while it might say,you know what the cost is for a week and
the cost is for a week, understanding thatthat might not be your true cost, like
ask for help, you know, be able to be,you know, send your children
or refer us to a familythat might be needing that.
and again, it's all comes back to familiessupporting families.
(28:56):
And then the second is, you know,as we begin our,
our journey for,you know, becoming independent,
we're going to probablybe leaning on the community a little bit,
to just havethat capital campaign to say, hey,
this is what we're really wanting, to do.
And I think just stayingand following us and social
and just being a part of that,you know, that daily operational piece,
(29:22):
I say
it's kind of building friendslike friend raisers, if you would,
I mean, not everybody is able to give,you know, that financial donation,
but people are able to give their time,talent, treasure, you know, and just
kind of just building those friendships,amongst the community and understanding
and just, you know, knowing what we dofor the community is so valuable.
(29:44):
And, and it's athere's so many limited resources
that this assetand yourself as resources is,
I think a gem that we have them
here in Manatee and Sarasota County.
Yeah, that's that's amazing.
just having the awarenessand just knowing that you all are doing
(30:05):
the important work that you're doing.
that's incredible.
But. So, I think that about covers itwith what I've wanted to ask you today.
And I appreciate everythingyou've shared with me so much.
it justit sounds like you do some amazing work
over at Foundation for dreams, and we havejust always loved your mission.
(30:28):
We have just that, encompassing approachwith every individual and,
accommodating to meet their needswhere they're at and celebrating them.
It it's just amazing to have,
a resource like that in the communities.
So we appreciate all you do.
Our students lovewhen they go to Dreamworks camp.
So we are we just appreciate all of thevery valuable work that you all do.
(30:51):
It's so neededand meaningful and appreciated.
So thank you.
Thank you.
And I thought if if you don't mind,I might just read a letter just to end it.
Just so it's kind of kind ofan a heartfelt like an sincere letter
that just to kind of tie it up,if you don't mind, feel free please.
So it says, Dear Foundation for DreamStaff, my heartfelt and sincere
(31:14):
thank you goes out to you for offeringmy 16 year old son a regular week of camp.
Now, don't get me wrong,I mean nothing derogatory by regular.
In fact, I'm grateful
for the camp experienceyou provided my non-verbal non-mobile son.
Imagine the following a childwho has never been invited
to a birthday party for a friend.
A child who has never hung outwith a buddy for a sleepover.
(31:34):
A child who never gets a night away from
with his favoriteaunt or cousin or grandma
because they don't knowhow to care for him.
Imagine a child who has never experiencedthe delights of childhood, a first date,
a driver's license, or the thrill of hisfirst concert, or even a mosquito bite.
Imagine a child who's all alone.
But for those that care for him, nowyou know a little bit more about my son.
My son who is the light of my life.
(31:55):
My son who had a typical, regularand utterly fantastic time at Oaks Camp.
What a blessing are those that worktirelessly at providing services for kids
like mine to go to camp sleeping in a bunkbed instead of a hospital bed.
Those that give without rest,
their summers and their muscleand their love for kids like mine.
God bless you all.
Volunteers, nurses, counselors, directorsand all behind the scenes.
(32:17):
You are my angels. You are his heroes.
If you just thought.
It was just something like, gosh, yeah,I have chills from that.
That's beautiful. Thanks, Lauren. Yeah.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for joining us today,Alana.
It's really it's been amazingspeaking with you.
So thank you. Thank you.
Thank you so much forjoining us here today at Helping Families
(32:39):
Go beyond the podcast.By Beyond the Spectrum.
For more resources or information, visitour website at Beyondthe spectrum.org.
Welcome back to Helping
Families Go Beyond the podcastby Beyond the Spectrum.
I'm your host, Loryn Carpenter,and today we're going to be sitting down
with Elena Cassella,the executive director at Foundation
for dreams, wherewe're excited to talk to her today
as this incredible organization hostsDream Oaks Camp, an all inclusive summer
and weekend camp program for studentsseventh through 17 with unique abilities.
(00:26):
Some other updates that I want to providefor the listeners are
that we will be having our next CommunityInsight series in June,
and stay tuned to our social mediafor updates on
when that will be happeningand the subject of the meeting.
So we'll have the link for anyonewho wants to attend virtually,
and we encourage you to joinand get some valuable insight from
(00:47):
professionals and caregivers.
All right.
Well, thank you for joining ustoday, Elena.
We're excited to sit downand talk with you.
if you could just introduce yourselfand explain your role
as the executive directorat Foundation for dreams.
Yeah. So my name is Elena Cassella.
I'm the executive directorat the Foundation for dreams.
(01:07):
I've been with the Foundationfor dreams for over 13 years now.
I started in the donor development
side of things and understanding,you know, how to raise funds.
And, about six, maybe seven years ago,I was appointed as the executive director.
And now I'll oversee all operations,
(01:27):
all donor relationships,
you know, fundraising.
you know,I manage all the day to day, operations,
like in terms of, like, dream campor biggest program of the year.
you know, and our full time staff.
So that's wonderful.
And, so can you talk a little bitabout Foundation for dreams
(01:49):
and how your organization primarilyserves?
Yeah.
So, the Foundation for dreams was started
by our founder, Eddie Newark.
we are an organization whose missionis to celebrate the abilities
and develop the strengths of childrenwith special needs and chronic illnesses.
Ages 7 to 17.
(02:12):
By collaborating with families to provide
more or less individualized, resultbased schools.
we provide family support and recreationin a camp environment.
And and so our overall missionis that individuals with special needs
have every opportunity to learn and growand to work on their productive behaviors,
meaningful relationships, andthat comprehensive, profound skill set.
(02:36):
We serve we, you know, likea lot of people say, well, is there one
particular group of childrenthat you serve?
And the thing that makes us uniqueis that we are the only program
in the entire southwest region of Floridaproviding a year round residential
and day sessions for children with chronicand terminal medical illnesses.
(02:57):
children with special needs.
And and we're not limited to those,you know, unique diagnoses.
we serve children with autism.
We serve children with spinal bifida.
We serve children with cerebral palsy.
Developmentaldelays, Down's syndrome, ADHD,
if they have been diagnosed with,
you know, somethingthrough the school system or by a visit
(03:21):
physician or their pediatrician,we they would qualify for our program.
with for children with cancer.
We serve children with diabetes.
We serve children with heart conditions.
there is just a variety of camp sessionsthat are specialized to meet,
you know, those needs of each groupthat we're serving
and we're able to modify what we do forthe participation of all campers despite,
(03:45):
you know, what their physical or emotionalor developmental challenge may be.
And so that's kind ofwhat makes us unique.
And we're here in Manatee,Sarasota County.
So we're serving a lot of folks from,you know, that greater Tampa Bay area.
That's amazing.
And I know there's such a need here,especially in this area,
(04:05):
for some kind of respiteor recreational camp for individuals.
And I know that's something we'vealways loved about your organization.
Is that kind of,
that approach of just accepting everyoneno matter their diagnosis.
So we've just always lovedthat about you guys.
And, I would like to ask you guys,I'd like to ask you about your Dream Oaks
(04:25):
camp program,
because some of our students attend itand they love it, and they rave about it
while they're here.
And so, I'm just interested inwhat kind of activity activities
the campers engage in. And, just learning
more about the Dream Oaks camp,what that day to day looks like.
Yeah.
So we provide a year round and we say it's
(04:46):
quality results based program.
and so we give the opportunityfor families
and children to identify their potential.
And it's in a very healthy,inclusive environment.
So when kids come,they're engaging in adaptive activities.
they're learning new skills.
they might be workingon some type of behavioral goal.
(05:09):
but we we've all of these, you know,
individual goals into the program
so that they don't even knowthat it's happening
and they're just having a blastwhile we're working on those things.
So each theme and activity is developedwith the mindset
that a child will participateand can participate.
and soif we can't do a particular activity
(05:33):
with one child, we won't do it at all.
And so we're really focused onhow are we adapting that activity,
how are we modifying that to activity.
so that all children can participateand not be on the sidelines if you would.
a lot of our activities, you know, from aon a daily basis, you know,
we range from like arts and crafts, music,
(05:54):
drama, yoga, scavenger hunts.
we have a lot of our aquatic programswith swimming and canoeing and boating.
we do a lot of sports and gamesand nature studies,
and we bring in therapeutichorseback riding.
And, now we brought in cookingand we brought in Stem was science.
and so it's just a true camp environment
(06:17):
with tons of activities.
But then we're focused onwhat is the human gain
that comes out of that childparticipating in our program.
So yes, we're having a lot of fun,but we want to also be able to say, hey,
you know, what are those thingsthat those teachers are working on?
What are those things that those parents
or your caregivers are workingon, you know, how can we help you?
(06:38):
How can we meet that child where they areso that we can strengthen
that family core unit and have that childbecome a little bit more independent,
whether it be, you know, in the school,in the home or in multiple environments.
We want them to be successfulin their communities.
That's great.
Yeah.
And we want it to transfer overinto their adult life, you know, certainly
(07:00):
as many of our children,not all, but a lot of our children
won't go on to attend a regular collegeor hold that regular job.
But we all know that all childrenand all individuals have value.
And so what are we doing
so that they are not just feelinglike they can't do something?
You know, we want to show them thatyou have the potential to do these things.
(07:22):
Exactly. And I think that's wonderful.
And I know that's kind of an approachwe have here to about
meeting them where they're atand kind of celebrating it,
you know, just so that they're empoweredfor their own path of life.
And, you know, we understand thatsome students, you know, might not have
the same level of independence as others,but it's all about, embracing them
(07:44):
where they're at and including thembecause they're just as worthy, too.
So, I've just I've loved that.
In common with our missions.I think that's amazing.
And so when you're planningthese activities,
just for any kind of other educatorsout there, you know, what kind of things
have to be considered when you'remaking them accessible for all the campus.
(08:06):
So, you know, our
our whole facility is Ada accessible?
you know, when you walk into our cabins,
you know, you'll walk into a cabinthat has, you know,
wheelchair accessibility,you walk into our bathrooms at all.
You know, I have accessibility for all.
so when our when our staff comesand they're working on,
(08:28):
you know,
all of the different accommodationsand they're working with physical
therapists, occupational therapists,we teach them to go hand over hand.
We teach them,you know, how to transfer children from,
you know, a wheelchair into,you know, a shower chair
every single activity is adapted,you know, whether or not it be, you know,
(08:49):
adaptable paint brushes, down to,you know, the paper
or the spacethat we might need for an art activity.
If we're working on like, sportsand games, we're thinking about, you know,
we don't want a child to just be,
you know,the the scorekeeper on the sidelines.
We're making sure that that spaceis accessible for that wheelchair
(09:11):
or we're saying, okay, maybe, you know,that child might have a visual impairment.
You know, we've had, you know,our counselors put on a blindfold
and go through the obstacle coursewith them so that they can experience
what that child is experiencingat the same time.
And so, again, everything is about that.
Direct care staff member understandingwhat those individualized
(09:36):
targets are for the child to progresson while they're at camp.
And so we'relooking at the social interaction
as we're looking at the activitiesof daily living.
We're looking at their behavioral goalsand their health and hygiene goals.
And we're able to focus on that child'sstrength
and their abilities to build to facilitatethose goals through each session.
you know, our ratios
(09:58):
are no more than a 3 to 1, meaning
one counselor will have no more than threechildren, and then they will always have
a counselor in training assigned to themwith those three children or less.
so they're really having,you know, they receiving
that individualized careand support that they need.
(10:19):
to be ableto, you know, make those gains and further
develop themas they go and sustain or sustain
with the sustainabilityacross multiple settings and environments.
That's amazing.
And, how many campersdo you typically have?
over the summer and on the weekends.
So during the weekends,we run about 20 weekend camps.
(10:41):
So they, you know, at least 1 or 2 a monthwhile school's in session
and we don't really go overabout 25 campers
just because it's a little bit harderto get the staff that we're able to,
employ during the seasonal of summer and,
and then during the summer,we don't go over 50 kids.
(11:02):
so, you know, if you think about that,you know, our we have to have,
you know, at least 25 to 30 staff members,you know, on
we always have full time nurses,we always have full time kitchen staff.
Every single one of our staffmembers is CPR and first aid certified.
They do not sleep.
Kids do not sleep in the room alonewith other children.
(11:23):
There's always two staff membersin every single room that they sleep in.
So we practice two deep.
It protects the staff memberand it protects that child.
and so, you know,we we're really all about safety
and accommodation and,and making sure that the kids
are getting the attention that they needso that they're successful.
(11:44):
That really is wonderful.
Like just just hearingabout all of the thought and preparation
that goes into the carefor all of the individuals there.
I mean, thatthat's really something special.
And, I think that has just always madeyou guys so unique in this area,
because I can just tell that so much
accommodating goes into considerationfor everybody.
(12:06):
And, I'm sure the kids love it there, too.
And so what are some ofthe success stories
or some of your favorite momentswith the campers at Dreambox?
Well, I have two that I,I kind of talk about.
the first was way backwhen I had first started.
I was not really aware of the impactthat Dream Oaks has on families
(12:31):
and children,and I had met this little boy
and he didn't have use of his arms the waythat a typical developing child would.
And he really was just,you know, watching,
you know, kids around him,you know, just paint and draw
and in between sessionsbe able to just kind of pick up
a, you know,crayon and just, you know, draw a picture.
(12:54):
And so we,you know, started talking with him
and we had noticedthat he was using his feet a lot to like,
you know, learned and adapted on his ownand to use his feet
to be able to feed himself.
And so we were like, well,why don't we try,
you know, putting a crayonor putting a paintbrush?
And so our staff had worked.
(13:15):
And by the end of the week,he was then drawing with crayons
and paint brushes, and this little boywas so determined to do it.
He ended up at the end of the week at ourour award ceremony,
showing his masterpieceto all of the families,
all of the children that had attended,
you know,
the siblings that had all come to seethe end of the end of the year session.
(13:38):
Our counselors had spoke about it,had spoke about him just to termination
to paint it,and there was not a dry eye in the room.
This thing was beautiful.
And I at that moment just was like,I have to be here.
Like I had always been an advocatefor children.
I spent, you know, 20 yearsin the Manatee County
(14:01):
school system working in the inclusionclassrooms and,
you know, writing grants and writingcurriculum for Manatee County schools,
and asa reading coach and instructional coach.
But I had never seen the impactthat young adults
could make on childrenand it in quite this way.
And so, you know, that was one.
(14:21):
And the second was an impactthat one of our parents had.
and and forgive me,this is kind of a little bit of a story,
but about five years in, I was,
speaking to a parentat one of the same type of end of week
ceremonies and the parent came inand just said, you know,
(14:42):
I am just so thankful.
And she's like,I had prayed about just needing a break.
She said she had spoken to her husbandand they were getting just to the point
where their son was becoming a little bitmore than their family could care for,
and she was considering putting himto a residential treatment facility.
(15:02):
And she said it washer husband was out of town
and she had was so exhaustedshe went to bed fully dressed, woke up
after praying that nightabout what she was supposed to
do, and received a phone callfrom one of her friends from New York
who said that she was coming downto visit Florida, that their kids
were attendingthis camp called Dream Oaks.
(15:23):
And she was like,what do you mean, where's Dream Oaks?
Because this family member that was,or this family friend from New York
had had children with special needs.
And she's like,what are you talking about?
Dream Oaks is in your backyard.
Like, how do you not know about this?
Oh, wow, she said immediately.
She googled it, foundus, called us, enrolled.
(15:44):
You know, her son and,
and she's like, I needed a respite.
Like I needed to be ableto recharge my batteries.
I needed to be able to spend timewith my two daughters, my twins
who never get my timebecause her son was non-verbal autistic.
And that's really having a hard time,you know, you know, just,
(16:07):
you know, expressinghimself, to the family and we acting out
and she said, I can't tell youhow much rest I received this week.
Like, this is part of, like, our ongoing,you know, respite for our family.
We need it.
And she's like, where is he?
Like, he must be running the
the staff members, like out and aroundand you know, and he's out.
(16:31):
And because everyone was sitting
nicely watching all the slide showand I said, what are you talking about?
He's right there.
He was sitting quietly in the front rowwatching the presentations,
and she just broke down and just,
you know, it's one of those momentswhere, you know, we as educators
and those of us that work with children,you know, it's like when you take
(16:52):
when you have someone else working withyour child, you're like, oh, not my kid.
But then it was her kid and she was like,it was just that moment for her.
And and he stayed with us for 12 years.
He's recently aged out, but.
You know, it's just, again, those momentsthat you are able
to give that respite to families thatsometimes don't even know they need it.
(17:14):
they go into crisis mode because it's
hard raising children in general.
You know, it's even harder sometimes.
Not all, but it's even hardersometimes when you're faced
with just the challenges,of raising a child with special needs.
And it's uniqueand we understand what that is.
And that's why the second partof our goal, you know, in our targets,
(17:37):
is to give that family the respite,to recharge, to become a stronger family.
to go do adult things.
If you want to sleep all day, sleepall day.
If you want to go on a date night, datenight, like that's part of what we do,
you know? So
it's it's just so important.
Yeah. That's that's amazing.
And when you put it that way,
(17:58):
you know, and that that's somethingthat's happened with the staff here too.
I think when we work so hard, we kind of
forget the work that we doand how we're impacting these families.
And so it's it's amazingjust to hear from families that are like,
we really needed thisbecause and because, I'll tell you,
(18:19):
my mom is the executive director here,and my brother attends here at the school.
And so just seeing like firsthand what
that from the caregiving perspective,just how when you have a service
that can provide so much for anindividual, it it's like a weight off
your shoulders just from families,just hearing from them that, you know,
(18:41):
the work that we do for individualsin this community, just how needed it is.
And they don't even realize it.
Yeah, for sure.
And we have, you know, like for us,we have like,
you know, those measurable outcomesjust I'm sure like as you do as well.
And, you know, one of thoseone of the things that we ask is
number one, like, you know,what is the effectiveness, of our program,
(19:04):
you know, and how are we respondingto the child's progress?
And there's targets,
you know, so we have pre and post surveysand we monitor what we're doing.
You know, we're very quantitativewith what how we do it.
we document the steps and the actionstaken, how
we ensure that so successful strategiesare, you know, maintained and built.
(19:26):
And then we throw awaythe things that are not working.
So we discontinue those and at the end,we're able to give this progress
report to the families and saying, hey,this is what we did.
Try this at homeand let us know if it works
and if it doesn't, let's trysomething different.
You know, when that child comes backto us.
same thing with the families.
When the families respond, we're saying,well, how did you use that respite?
(19:48):
Like what did it provide you?
And I will tell you, 100% of our familiesreport that that respite,
you know, provided some type of abilityfor them to use,
you know, that plan break, you know,
charging or focusing on dailyresponsibilities or it's strength
(20:09):
in the family because they finally gotto have that moment that they felt okay.
Like, you know,I am a parent, but I'm also an individual
and I need to be ableto take care of myself too.
And that's okay. Exactly.
And just theyou know, sometimes when families
have that experience, that burnout,and it's just so nice to have that relief
for them, that respite, it's so important,even if they don't realize it
(20:32):
because they're so busy running on fumesto keep everything together that,
you know, they forget thatthey can have those options.
And, so with that being said,when with this,
with Dream Oaks Camp being availableoption for families if they are interested
in signing their child up,how can they get started with you guys?
(20:54):
So I'm sure
so if they go to our website,there is if you go to our program
and click on the Dream OaksCamp link, it'll take you right to,
you know, some more informationabout who we are, what we do.
But they'll be able to registerright there.
Every single session is listed.Our dates are listed.
We have right nowseven weeks, but we will do a date a week.
(21:16):
Eight, which is a day session only.
the application I will I'm not going tolie, is a little bit lengthy
just because we we need it to bewe're taking a chat overnight
usually in most cases.
And we want to know the more informationthat a child or parent
excuse me,not a parent, a child, but the parent.
And sometimes I guessa child participates in that.
(21:38):
You know,if they're able to kind of say, hey,
this works, works for me,and this is what doesn't.
But the more informationthat they give us, the better,
because they're we do, you know, sometimesmeeting this child for the first time
and we want to know, you know,what are the triggers?
What are the thingsif there are some sensory integration
that we need to consider, you know,are there some, you know, space, you know,
(22:00):
challenges that we need to consider or
do we have to have more of a specialized,you know, behavioral, you know,
analyst come inand kind of work with them, you know, so
anything that we're that we see on paper,we're going to call a parent and say,
hey, tell us a little bit more about this,you know, or this or maybe, you know,
(22:21):
eating behaviors or swimming or,you know, whatever it may be.
so that feeling,get that initial application
started is the first thingonce you start that application,
my staff is going to see thatan application has been started.
And sometimes you don't have to sitand fill it all in one time.
At one time,
my staff will call and say, hey,I see that your application has started.
(22:42):
You're only 20% through.
How can I help you? You know, finish.
and so my staff in the office
is, is really great about,you know, assisting parents.
And if a parent needs help filling it out,
you know,they can always come to the office
and we can help them,you know, fill that out.
they will we do
requirethat they have a physical, of some sort.
(23:07):
So a lot of times
we'll ask that the doctorto fill out our physical and upload that.
But we do work with a lot of pediatriciansin the, in the area,
and they are very well aware of who we areand what we do.
And so most of them, my,my nurses have visited
and they have our physicals and,
you know, on file.
(23:28):
and so from there,
you know, if a child or a family needs,
some financial aid, we're able to providethat we have never turned a child
away for the inability to paythat was one of our founders, you know,
basically wishes was thatI don't want to ever hear that
a child can't attend because, you know,they can't afford it.
(23:51):
I would sayabout 90 to 95% of our families
get some type of financial aid.
You just have to ask, you know,and if a family is in a position
where maybe, you know,last year on the tax on their tax returns,
they were sitting in a pretty comfortable,you know, financial position.
(24:11):
And this year,
you know, maybe someone's lost their jobor there is unexpected medical bills.
We need to hear that
because you might not geta full scholarship, but you might get,
you know, a partial scholarship.
So again, you know, the more a parentor family can communicate
with us, the more, you know, successfulthat child in that family will be.
(24:32):
That's wonderful.
I, I love that whole, the entire familyapproach that you all have.
I love that because I just think it's it'sso important
to have that whole family involved and,
especially with the application process.
And while the studentis at the camp as well, because I think
(24:53):
it not only benefits the individual,it benefits the entire family unit.
So I think that's amazing.
And, as you're looking aheadinto the future for Foundation for dreams,
do you have any plans
or goals for your guys's growthand what do they look like for you? All?
I always say be careful what you wish for.
Right now, we're trying really hardand become a little bit more independent
(25:17):
from the particular locationthat we're we're currently operating from.
we are looking to potentially move
in the next yearor so to a bigger facility.
but we're still waiting on
approval,you know, and so but what our hope is that
is that we if we become a little bitmore and independent,
(25:39):
we're able to servenot just our particular population.
We're able to serve maybe siblings.
We're able to do more family.
We're able to do, you know, kind of crossover and work with agencies that say,
hey, you know, we're looking at maybedoing a weekend with families, you know,
and we really want to come inand have you guys provide the program.
(26:00):
But we have some, you know,maybe a specialized, you know, session or,
you know, maybewe want to get all of this information
out for these parents, but we don't haveenough time in just an evening.
We want to do a weekend to deliver this,you know, so
we're able to kind of createthis overnight peace with families
and have these, you know,specialized camps with other agencies.
(26:21):
And just really, you know, as we're seeingthe growing needs of our community,
you know, to adapt to those needsbecause I think that,
you know, everybody's again,raising families is
it's it it'sthey don't come with an instruction book.
Right.
And so, you know, again, like even like
(26:41):
from my perspective, like I have twothat are going to be out of the house now.
And and I'm still mothering.
I'm still parenting.
and, and I feel likewhen we can take those breaks sometimes
and have that ability to kind of just sitand, like, parent with other parents
and be like children there togetherand just kind of share stories.
There's so much growththat comes from that.
(27:04):
and, and creating support systemsand so that, that,
that is our hopeand that we can do more of that
as we becomea little bit more independent.
yeah.
That's great that that collaborationis so important.
And having those other
like you mentioned, those support systemswith other families,
I know we've tried to do things like thathere, be on the spectrum
(27:26):
with our Community Insight series,and then we've had a Caregiver Connect
program that we've done here.
And it's just good to have familiesconnect with one another and,
share advice and just kind of bein the same boat with each other.
And we've just found, you know,the families that have made friendships
with each other and the parents, you know,they'll be in the parking lot,
(27:47):
they'll be dropping their student off,and then they go hop in each other's cars
and they go do stuff for the day together.
And that's awesome. It's.
Yeah, it's just amazing.
just giving them that platform,that, ability to connect with each other.
It's it's so important, as you mentioned.
And, so moving forward,how can the community
help support the Foundationfor dreams mission?
(28:12):
So, you know,
going back to probably that original storyor one of the original stories
I shared success stories,
I think understanding that
we don't a lot of peoplestill don't know who we are.
So, you know, as people find out about us
being an advocate, you know, sharingthat we are here, sharing that, you know,
(28:34):
while it might say,you know what the cost is for a week and
the cost is for a week, understanding thatthat might not be your true cost, like
ask for help, you know, be able to be,you know, send your children
or refer us to a familythat might be needing that.
and again, it's all comes back to familiessupporting families.
(28:56):
And then the second is, you know,as we begin our,
our journey for,you know, becoming independent,
we're going to probablybe leaning on the community a little bit,
to just havethat capital campaign to say, hey,
this is what we're really wanting, to do.
And I think just stayingand following us and social
and just being a part of that,you know, that daily operational piece,
(29:22):
I say
it's kind of building friendslike friend raisers, if you would,
I mean, not everybody is able to give,you know, that financial donation,
but people are able to give their time,talent, treasure, you know, and just
kind of just building those friendships,amongst the community and understanding
and just, you know, knowing what we dofor the community is so valuable.
(29:44):
And, and it's athere's so many limited resources
that this assetand yourself as resources is,
I think a gem that we have them
here in Manatee and Sarasota County.
Yeah, that's that's amazing.
just having the awarenessand just knowing that you all are doing
(30:05):
the important work that you're doing.
that's incredible.
But. So, I think that about covers itwith what I've wanted to ask you today.
And I appreciate everythingyou've shared with me so much.
it justit sounds like you do some amazing work
over at Foundation for dreams, and we havejust always loved your mission.
(30:28):
We have just that, encompassing approachwith every individual and,
accommodating to meet their needswhere they're at and celebrating them.
It it's just amazing to have,
a resource like that in the communities.
So we appreciate all you do.
Our students lovewhen they go to Dreamworks camp.
So we are we just appreciate all of thevery valuable work that you all do.
(30:51):
It's so neededand meaningful and appreciated.
So thank you.
Thank you.
And I thought if if you don't mind,I might just read a letter just to end it.
Just so it's kind of kind ofan a heartfelt like an sincere letter
that just to kind of tie it up,if you don't mind, feel free please.
So it says, Dear Foundation for DreamStaff, my heartfelt and sincere
(31:14):
thank you goes out to you for offeringmy 16 year old son a regular week of camp.
Now, don't get me wrong,I mean nothing derogatory by regular.
In fact, I'm grateful
for the camp experienceyou provided my non-verbal non-mobile son.
Imagine the following a childwho has never been invited
to a birthday party for a friend.
A child who has never hung outwith a buddy for a sleepover.
(31:34):
A child who never gets a night away from
with his favoriteaunt or cousin or grandma
because they don't knowhow to care for him.
Imagine a child who has never experiencedthe delights of childhood, a first date,
a driver's license, or the thrill of hisfirst concert, or even a mosquito bite.
Imagine a child who's all alone.
But for those that care for him, nowyou know a little bit more about my son.
My son who is the light of my life.
(31:55):
My son who had a typical, regularand utterly fantastic time at Oaks Camp.
What a blessing are those that worktirelessly at providing services for kids
like mine to go to camp sleeping in a bunkbed instead of a hospital bed.
Those that give without rest,
their summers and their muscleand their love for kids like mine.
God bless you all.
Volunteers, nurses, counselors, directorsand all behind the scenes.
(32:17):
You are my angels. You are his heroes.
If you just thought.
It was just something like, gosh, yeah,I have chills from that.
That's beautiful. Thanks, Lauren. Yeah.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for joining us today,Alana.
It's really it's been amazingspeaking with you.
So thank you. Thank you.
Thank you so much forjoining us here today at Helping Families
(32:39):
Go beyond the podcast.By Beyond the Spectrum.
For more resources or information, visitour website at Beyondthe spectrum.org.
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