This year for my birthday and to celebrate WORLD INCLUSION DAY I am fundraising to benefit The Garden Foundation.
Inclusion means so much to me because I grew up with a sister who was NEVER included. She wasn't invited to birthday parties or sleepovers, she didn't have friends to call or see on the weekend. She was always considered different and separate.
As Lindsay grew into adulthood, she was still separate. Still different. I was determined for my family and I to not to be the only one who saw and knew how incredible, funny, charistmatic and loving she was. I wanted EVERYONE to know her. I wanted her to be included.
The Garden Foundation has been built from my whole hear and was created to be a positive, encouraging place serving a wide range of adults of ALL different abilities and helping people reach their full potential. From those who are independent and looking for career training to those who are nonverbal and need more daily assistance to college interns and typical peers! Unlike most programs which separate people by abilities, it was important for me to create a positive place for people who are all DIFFERENT!
Our company culture is one of FULL acceptance. Our goal is not to change people but to help people become the fullest, highest vision and version of themselves. That is different for everyone and at The Garden Foundation, we CELEBRATE differences! Confetti would be quite boring if it was all the same color!
Although we focus on person-centered planning and each individual has their own needs and goals, we encourage communication (even nonverbal!), acceptance, inclusion and kindness of ALL people.
It’s a learning opportunity in being INCLUSIVE; not scared, intimidated or intolerant of people who are different than us.
Join me in helping The Garden Foundation create a more kind, inclusive world. EVERYONE deserves to feel like they belong.