A letter from Eden parent Stacie Sherman   

Stacie and Brielle sharing a moment.

You may recognize my name from the Eden 5K donation requests I have sent out in my years as co-director of the race. Today, with thanks for your past support, I am writing as an Eden parent, member of the board and chair of its development committee to ask you to contribute to the organization’s annual fund.

I appreciate that you likely receive a lot of requests this time of year. I realize that you may give to Eden in many ways including the 5K, Eden Dreams, the golf outing or through any number of other ways. I thank you for this.

Eden’s funding comes from a variety of sources, including school districts and state and federal governments. But Eden provides services above and beyond what these sources can cover. This is what sets Eden apart and why parents like me are so grateful to have our children in Eden’s program.

Annual fund gifts make an immediate difference in the lives of our students, adult participants and their staff.

  • They help Eden provide an individualized school program with a low student-to-teacher ratio.
  • They help Eden expand its residential program and ensure the homes are increasingly accessible and well-maintained.
  • This past year, they helped Eden open the Schalks Crossing Center, one of the first of its kind for aging adults with autism.  

Stacie and Brielle enjoying a nice day.

It’s hard to believe, but my daughter Brielle’s adulthood is around the corner. We came to Eden in 2008, when Brielle was just six years old. I was desperate for help, desperate for answers, desperate for hope. Eden gave me all that and more. It has been a long and bumpy road. Two steps forward, one step back. But I couldn’t imagine us anywhere else.

In February, Brielle will turn 18. I am knee-deep in paperwork, learning about Guardianship, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, and housing options.  I have no idea what her future holds. I’m terrified for her and for me. But I know in my heart that the best place for her – for us – is with Eden.

Please join me in making a contribution to Eden’s annual fund to support Eden’s mission to improve the lives of people with autism one individual at a time, one family at a time, one community at a time.

Sincerely,

Stacie Sherman
Eden Parent
Member, Eden Board of Trustees

 

Click here to donate to Eden Autism

 

PS   If you are aged 70½ or older, you might consider donating through your required minimum IRA distribution. An IRA Charitable Transfer is an easy way for eligible donors to make a contribution and receive tax benefits even if you take the standard deduction. Contact Melinda McAleer, Chief Development Officer at 609.987.0099 x3513 if you’d like to learn about this giving approach.