Thank You, Kelle Wood

On February 23rd and 24th, Kelle Wood, Director of the Central Texas Autism Center in Austin, presented a workshop on autism at the Region 2 ESC. Teachers, administrators, doctors and parents were in attendance for this very informative workshop.

Kelle gave detailed information on how to implement effective teaching procedures in classroom settings that can also be adapted for use by parents in the home. She also addressed many of the behavior issues exhibited by children with autism and how to effectively manage these behaviors.

Special thanks goes to our Educational Service Center for helping us to bring Kelle to Corpus Christi to present this workshop.

FCA Visits Hannah's Hope

Officers from the Gregory-Portland Fellowship of Christian Athletes visited Hannah's Hope. This organization will be hosting a Macho Man Volleyball game to benefit our learning center. This event will be held at theG-P High School gym. The cost is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for students.

It is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in helping children with autism. A couple of the officers even inquired about volunteering during the summer. We all enjoyed your visit, G-P FCA!

Fine Motor Fun

Ms. Dawn and Hannah string beads.

During fine motor, students are given an opportunity to strenghten their fine motor and self help skills. Teachers use puzzles, stringing beads, stacking activities and much more to improve eye hand coordination. Self help skills that are addressed include tying shoes, brushing hair and other dressing skills. This is also a good time to work on sensory "issues" by manipulating clay, playing with textured balls, shaving cream, and using a variety of tactile activities.

Hannah's Hope Goes to Cole Park

Ms. Robin decided it had been awhile since the students had been on a field trip. They all decided to take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and go to Cole Park. The kids had a blast and the teachers all got a good workout keeping up with them. The field trips are a nice break from the daily routine while still providing an opportunity to learn in the natural enviornment.

Homes Tour Raises Alot of Money!

Back in December, St. Chrisopher's by the Sea Episcopal church had a Christmas Homes Tour and silent auction to raise money for Hannah's Hope. On Sunday, February 5th, we were presented with a check for $7200! All I can say is. . .WOW! We never expected to receive so much.

We are grateful for the donation which will help us extend services to other families in the Coastal Bend area. So much work went into putting on the Homes Tour. We just can't say "thank you" enough.

The best thing is the willingness of the community of Portland partnering with the staff and parents of Hannah's Hope to provide for these very special children. There were many people involved in putting on this event. Of course, most of the work was done by members of St. Christopher's, but I would also like to thank Gateway church for their participation. Thank you, Penny Hattersley and your "team" for all the wonderful fruits and vegetables and for your eagerness to help out in the kitchen. Thanks to all the homeowners so willing to open their beautiful homes up for us to tour. And thanks to all of the businesses and individuals donating items for the silent auction.

Like I have said before, even more than the money, is the fact that our community cares about these children with autism. I know that brings encouragement to every parent living with autism. Thank you.

Who's the New Kid?

Brandon's cool new "cut".

Oh, it's Brandon with a haircut! I hardly recognized him. Ms. Robin surprised us a few weeks ago with a new picnic table. The students have enjoyed being able to eat lunch outside and do art projects outside on warm weather days. Thank you, Ms. Robin!