At Children’s Village, it is always the right time to provide an answer to a question about why an infant was born with Downs Syndrome or why a child is unable to walk or talk. It is always the right time to comfort a parent who has just learned that their child has autism or cerebral palsy. It is always the right time to have a painful tooth looked at for a child that is unable to understand how to sit in a dental chair because of a cognitive delay, it is always the right time to have a physical therapist provide key muscle movements that will increase a child’s ability to walk. It is always the right time to have an special teacher come to the home of an infant with developmental delays in order to increase the ability of that infant to interact and enjoy success with others in the future, and it is always the right time for a community to come together and say to families of children with special needs, you are important to us.

Right now families have to wait for many of the services provided at Children’s Village in part because there is not enough space. Please support the Children’s Village “Call to Greatness” Capital Campaign to increase the capacity to serve children with special needs and their families. “It is always the right time for children who are being born and formed in mind, body and spirit every minute as life goes on”.

]]> http://childrensvillage.memfound.org/campaign/always-the-right-time/feed 0 http://childrensvillage.memfound.org/campaign/walking-through-the-village http://childrensvillage.memfound.org/campaign/walking-through-the-village#comments Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:29:45 +0000 Diane P. http://childrensvillage.memfound.org/campaign/?p=46 As I toured visitors through Children’s Village, I was reminded over and over again what a remarkable place it is…  A place children with special needs and their families can come and feel comfortable, like their right at home with their friends and family.  A place of complete inclusion; a place that believes all children are unique and special, and should experience joy and success.

It is like no other…  yet to be replicated, Children’s Village is a partnership of trust between organizations committed to its’ mission:  …Partnering to connect children with special needs and their families to supportive services.  Dedicated to seeing that the original dream of Children’s Village is carried out, and that children with special needs and their families do not have to wait long bouts of time for vital services — these tremendous partners and community members have embarked on the journey of raising $8.1 million to see that the capacity of Children’s Village is doubled to meet the need.

If you have not had a tour of Children’s Village…  you MUST.  Don’t wait.  It takes only 20 minutes.  …And, it will change your life.

Ali Macias

It was so good to see you tonight – you’re getting so big, so tall.
You know you made my night – when I reached out for a hug and you leapt into my arms and you wrapped yourself around me.
That moment was….

I could tell you were tired. No sign language tonight. Every day is different – today may not have been a “good day” for you.

But, to see you smile at me – not once, but twice – made my day.

One smile from you is like a thousand rays of sun upon my shoulders…

Kisses from a loved one graced upon my cheek…

all at once.

You may not be able to tell me what you are thinking or how you feel – but, your smile tells me – and, “I love you, too.”

Your friend – Ali