The A.W.A.K.E.N Project
Donation protected
1 in 59 children are currently diagnosed with Autism. This is an alarming rate as it is only increasing and Autism is still one of the most misunderstood as well as underserved issues of our time. Autism is considered a neurological and developmental disorder affecting how a person acts and interacts with others, how they experience the world, how they communicate, and how they learn. One might describe an Autistic person as being in their own world. In my experiences serving this community I have found those diagnosed with Autism to be among the most brilliant and epic beings that I have ever had the blessing to encounter; however, their lives are not easy ones. Imagine being locked in a mental and physical form that few can understand, or relate to. Imagine having little to no way to express yourself through language. Living a life of this nature can put great strain on a being, and promote behaviors and actions that most consider anti-social or even unruly. These spirits are misunderstood, and it can be difficult to function in a society that doesn’t understand you. Raising a child with unique needs can be a beautifully special journey, yet it can also be extremely isolating, emotionally challenging, and financially draining. On average, medical expenditures for children and adolescents with ASD were 4.1–6.2 times greater than for those without ASD. In addition to medical costs, intensive behavioral interventions for children with ASD can cost up to $60,000 per child per year.
Families with Autism are expected to function in a society that is not prepared to handle, much less support their unique needs. Many of these families are faced with no assistance, and with no guidance or proven strategies for how to support, serve, and connect with their own child. Many, if not all, are left stranded in a world with few answers and have exhausted themselves and their financial resources. They are struggling, and deserve our help.
At AWAKEN we acknowledge these challenges and have a goal to change the lives these children and their families are living, to enhance their worlds, and end their suffering.
Over the last decade of working closely with children on the spectrum I have been impressed with the increase in the movement for awareness of Autism, but I have a vision to move from awareness into action with radical support for these families.
The A.W.A.K.E.N Project’s mission is to dramatically improve families lives by increasing their ability to manage the challenges of raising children on the spectrum, provide the tools and resources that they desperately need, and to TAP into the amazing potential that individuals with Autism posses. We seek to rejuvenate and revitalize families lives, and to awaken their heart, mind, and body in the most serene, supportive environment.
To create this space of renewal for families, The AWAKEN Project (TAP) brings together healing services for both children AND parents. Parents will be treated with services such as a self care spa, customized meal plans, meditation space, and recreation outings to support a deepening connection with self, their partner, and their child. With this and offerings of guided meditation and yoga, parents have the rare opportunity to take a moment to themselves to restore.
As parents find themselves in moments of peace and tranquility, their children on the spectrum will be lovingly and safely cared for during the day as well as have the option for overnights with other children. Imagine your child immersed in total happiness, enjoying summer camp activities designed to their wants and needs, experiencing joy, and feeling completely supported. They will have access to aquatic, equestrian, art, and music therapies, as well as have opportunities to take part in dance and theatre fun! With lots of water play, occupational yoga, outdoor movement, and exploring different sensory zones, we bring a once in a life time camp experience to kids on the spectrum.
Siblings are welcomed too and will also find themselves immersed camp delights! Not only will they have a blast playing through camp, but they will also be taught new ways to bond, play, and interact with their sibling on the spectrum.
Between relaxing in the pool, kayaking, hiking, or just swinging in one of our hammocks, we want to bring the entire family into exhilaration.
Through our unique and specifically designed nutrition plans, education, recreational activities, therapies, and training (combined with rest, relaxation, and blissful days of camp euphoria) we bring families to a high vibrational level of understanding; increasing their ability to adapt to specific challenges and support their families physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. At the A.W.A.K.E.N retreats our dedicated, specially trained staff not only provides an inspirational experience for familes during they stay, but will also provide them with the tools and extended support they need to begin implementing their new skill sets into their day to day lives once they’ve returned home.
We are currently raising funds to bring this project to fruition and to provide this opportunity to families at little to no cost. Your help is truly needed and always welcomed! Please Help us to help them. We are a visionary team from California consisting of an expert nutritionist, behavioral therapist, a mother of a son on the spectrum and many hearts yearning to be in service for change.
All donations will go in full and directly to the operations of The AWAKEN retreats paying for therapists, services, food, staff, etc. Funding allows us to put on retreats at no cost to parents so families are able attend. Funds also go towards the licensing fees for AWAKEN to become an official non-profit so we may offer retreats to families on a continuous cost free basis. We greatly appreciate and hold the highest gratitude for any and all donations!!
We will use outreach events, education, and multimedia to inform the public, sponsors, donors, and the autistic community about our resources and assistance.
Families with Autism are expected to function in a society that is not prepared to handle, much less support their unique needs. Many of these families are faced with no assistance, and with no guidance or proven strategies for how to support, serve, and connect with their own child. Many, if not all, are left stranded in a world with few answers and have exhausted themselves and their financial resources. They are struggling, and deserve our help.
At AWAKEN we acknowledge these challenges and have a goal to change the lives these children and their families are living, to enhance their worlds, and end their suffering.
Over the last decade of working closely with children on the spectrum I have been impressed with the increase in the movement for awareness of Autism, but I have a vision to move from awareness into action with radical support for these families.
The A.W.A.K.E.N Project’s mission is to dramatically improve families lives by increasing their ability to manage the challenges of raising children on the spectrum, provide the tools and resources that they desperately need, and to TAP into the amazing potential that individuals with Autism posses. We seek to rejuvenate and revitalize families lives, and to awaken their heart, mind, and body in the most serene, supportive environment.
To create this space of renewal for families, The AWAKEN Project (TAP) brings together healing services for both children AND parents. Parents will be treated with services such as a self care spa, customized meal plans, meditation space, and recreation outings to support a deepening connection with self, their partner, and their child. With this and offerings of guided meditation and yoga, parents have the rare opportunity to take a moment to themselves to restore.
As parents find themselves in moments of peace and tranquility, their children on the spectrum will be lovingly and safely cared for during the day as well as have the option for overnights with other children. Imagine your child immersed in total happiness, enjoying summer camp activities designed to their wants and needs, experiencing joy, and feeling completely supported. They will have access to aquatic, equestrian, art, and music therapies, as well as have opportunities to take part in dance and theatre fun! With lots of water play, occupational yoga, outdoor movement, and exploring different sensory zones, we bring a once in a life time camp experience to kids on the spectrum.
Siblings are welcomed too and will also find themselves immersed camp delights! Not only will they have a blast playing through camp, but they will also be taught new ways to bond, play, and interact with their sibling on the spectrum.
Between relaxing in the pool, kayaking, hiking, or just swinging in one of our hammocks, we want to bring the entire family into exhilaration.
Through our unique and specifically designed nutrition plans, education, recreational activities, therapies, and training (combined with rest, relaxation, and blissful days of camp euphoria) we bring families to a high vibrational level of understanding; increasing their ability to adapt to specific challenges and support their families physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. At the A.W.A.K.E.N retreats our dedicated, specially trained staff not only provides an inspirational experience for familes during they stay, but will also provide them with the tools and extended support they need to begin implementing their new skill sets into their day to day lives once they’ve returned home.
We are currently raising funds to bring this project to fruition and to provide this opportunity to families at little to no cost. Your help is truly needed and always welcomed! Please Help us to help them. We are a visionary team from California consisting of an expert nutritionist, behavioral therapist, a mother of a son on the spectrum and many hearts yearning to be in service for change.
All donations will go in full and directly to the operations of The AWAKEN retreats paying for therapists, services, food, staff, etc. Funding allows us to put on retreats at no cost to parents so families are able attend. Funds also go towards the licensing fees for AWAKEN to become an official non-profit so we may offer retreats to families on a continuous cost free basis. We greatly appreciate and hold the highest gratitude for any and all donations!!
We will use outreach events, education, and multimedia to inform the public, sponsors, donors, and the autistic community about our resources and assistance.
Organizer
Annie Ybarra
Organizer
Weldon, CA