Let's rise for children with autism in Venezuela

I can’t find any food, I don’t have electricity, there’s no public transportation, I can’t find any medicines, my salary isn’t sufficient….I can’t find…I don’t have. Those are the topics of conversation in our homes, among friends, among colleagues.

For the truth is that TODAY in Venezuela the humanitarian crisis and the economic collapse have taken over our conversations, and dictate our decisions individually, and collectively.

So what decision have we made in Autismo en Voz Alta? We’ve decided to continue to work so that the knowledge and expertise we have amassed during these last twelve years will go on serving the autism community in our country. Every time a child with autism learns a skill he becomes more autonomous, and his family and the community benefit from it; that is our contribution to the country.

We are very grateful and proud to report that our 107 students are performing according to their needs and developmental objectives. Our 60 direct employees and our volunteers are very satisfied with the organizational environment, the parents are delighted with their children’s progress, and we continue to provide a monthly average of 25 assesments, and 100 hours of therapy. We are operating at full capacity and there are no vacancies.

This is a true reflection of our determination to continue creating opportunities, building a future, and nurturing the hopes and wishes of each child, adolescent and family that comes knocking at our doors.

Thus, we continue to write this story of love, resilience and determination which came to life on April 2005, sitting around a family meal, when Isabella, my sister, told us with tears in her eyes that Cristi, her beautiful daughter with autism needed special education not available in the country.

All of us at Autismo en Voz Alta are very grateful for the opportunity we’ve had of being part of this amazing story. In our classrooms you can breathe love, commitment and respect. Our community transmits and lives with optimism; whenever an obstacle arises, it transforms it in an opportunity worth pursuing.

You, our donors, sponsors and friends have made Autismo en Voz Alta possible. You are responsible for 12 years of GREAT IMPACT, 12 years of ACHIEVEMENTS building, creating, innovating, inspiring and multiplying with a 45% increase in the number of families we assist today.

Your financial support, your presence at our events, your willingness to spread the word and to get to know us, is what allows us to continue ahead.

We invite you to continue being part of Autismo en Voz Alta, a shining example that only in unison, contributing to the extent of our possibilities and abilities, is it possible to face and address any challenge that may arise.

THANK YOU for trusting us, THANK YOU for investing in our future.

On January 20, 2018 Cristina Elena (Kikis), my niece, turned 18. Kikis is the person who, at the age of six years old became the inspiration behind Autismo en Voz Alta. Her smile blowing her candles and kissing her family, her teachers, her caregivers, her peers, is worth more than a thousand words. She does not have to tell me – she is a non-verbal girl with autism – it shows. She, and all present that day, do share the optimism, the joy, and the pride of having grown and learnt together. To her all my gratitude, admiration, and love.

Growing up with Kikis taught us that resilience, perseverance, and teamwork makes what seems impossible, possible. In this case, building in Venezuela an institution dedicated to the education of children and adolescents with autism. As Kikis transitions into adulthood she leaves as her legacy an institution that serves today 106 children and adolescents, and 400 families annually through a psycho-educational program, therapy, evaluation and diagnostic services.  She leaves behind an institution that provides financial support to 76% of its student body and, is an important reference in the autism community of Venezuela.

We are commited to preserve her legacy; a legacy that we can all feel very proud of. This year we want to tackle the profound humanitarian, political and economic crisis in our country by reinventing ourselves, and approaching challenges with creativity and agility. The impact we have had in our community, what we have built, what we have accomplished, give us the motivation and strength to persevere.

The current high turnover rate of our personnel, and the devastating effect of hyperinflation and scarcity of food and medicines feed hopelessness, frustration and impotence. To fight against it we are working hard, thinking outside of the box and taking operating, organizational and financial initiatives to protect the purchasing power of our personnel, support our student’s families, while providing our services at the standards and impact level we are known for. And in doing so, we are feeding optimism, hope, and resilience, just as Kikis and all her friends have given to us.

If you are already part of Autismo en Voz Alta, THANK YOU, you have made it a reality. If you are not, I invite you to join us! The recurrent and continuous support of our donors, sponsors, volunteers make it possible.  

Kikis, we continue working mi bella, always forward, as you do every day. Happy birthday!!!

Love you! Carpe Diem!