Many people know about , that we are a play center for children with autism and a social, support and resource place for parents. But, how many know the details of all we do?
We support families emotionally, and with resources that they are not aware of.
Seriously, the children with autism that are getting better, are receiving somewhat alternative treatments. Parents are taking control and improving their children. I personally know of hundreds of family stories to prove that.
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While the children play, we talk, support, encourage and suggest treatment options that are not given to families by their doctors, therapists or school personnel.
We are a source of emotional and educational support far beyond their visit to us. We continue to forward information to them and we are on call, literally day and night for emotional support. Many families call me when they are having a difficult day and we talk it out, I also have parents that I communicate with online in the evening, on my time. I am more than happy to do that, really, it is what the Hideout is all about!
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Not a week goes by that we don't get at least a half dozen families that come by, shut the door, fall on the couch and express that they are overwhelmed. They need us, and I am sure there are many more out there that do as well!
We currently support about 40 families on a regular basis and about 18 sporadically. We want to get the word out there now, so that more families know all of what we do.
I was cautioned by many in the planning stages of our operation, to keep quiet about all the treatments out there, and how I support those efforts and use many with my own daughter. I was warned that we would be labeled "alternative" and that it would hurt the business. As they say, live and learn!
Now, I believe I made a mistake by not making public how we have a wealth of knowledge, resources, contacts and experience in treatment options that are helping children improve all over the country.
Honestly, I believe in my heart and soul that if I had the knowledge I have today, eight years ago, my daughter would be far better off. Now I am dedicated to helping families find information quickly, so they don't lose the time I did that could have greatly helped Kaitlin.
We also are strongly dedicated to creating autism awareness. Located in The Little Shops in downtown Glen Ellyn, there is quite a bit of foot traffic. Not a day goes by that we don't come across a person who is intrigued by what we do and wants to know more. We take that opportunity to educate them, and if they have a child in the family with autism, we often help by sharing treatment information.
However, relying solely on the $10 donation per visit to the center is not enough to cover the costs. We desperately need financial support so we may continue to be the go-to place for information to help children with autism.
I recently let the word out in an interview with a reporter from the Chicago Tribune, I am anxious to see how that plays out.
We cannot compete with the larger play centers out there, and honestly, we don't want to. Unfortunately we are small, we hoped to start out in a much larger space but financially that was impossible. However, we provide a much more supportive resource for families. It is that face-to-face personnel support that we provide that sets us apart from the rest.
Where else can a family go where their children can play safely and get one-on-one support?
So how can you help us?
Well, here is our wish list, anything you can do to help us will help us support many more families.
*Financial support, anything you can give will help us immensely!
*We need someone who has website design experience to help us improve our website.
*Help to promote and manage our Gallery of Art.
*Small cafe tables and chairs for the entrance, so parents can sit and relax near the fountain.
*Subscriptions to autism magazines like:
Any recently published books on autism.
Volunteers to run the center when I cannot be there, which will increase the hours we can be open and allow me to get out in the community more to promote and attend more conferences.
Living life with a child that has autism is beyond challenging, please support us in anyway you can -- families are counting on you!
Thank you, peace, love and happiness!:)
Lisa is the owner of Kaitlin's Hideout, a play center for children with autism and a social, support and resource place for parents. www.kaitlinshideout.com
