Episode 11 - Michelle McFarland McDaniels

Michelle McFarland McDaniels is a dynamo mom from the south side of Chicago who sees a terribly bleak landscape when it comes to programs for young adults like her 25 year-old daughter with severe autism. But her optimism about the future has pushed her to create a new nonprofit THRIVE! Enrichment Services, which hopes to offer an array of services in her area.

Highlights:

• Her beloved daughter's severe autism, and sometimes unpredictable behaviors. The lack of services available for adults with challenging behaviors.

• How she hired a security guard to escort her daughter to a dentist appointment two miles away, concerned about police response to behaviors, and also carjackings!

• Her vision for THRIVE! Enrichment Services, including behavioral therapy and hopefully someday a physical center where programs can be provided.

• Mission: "Our mission is to help individuals who have autism or I/DD with comorbid challenging behaviors lead productive, meaningful and fulfilling lives."

• A vision for services that are truly person-centered and based on the interests and skills of each individual.

• Slogging through the process of getting a program approved and funded

Links:
Website: https://iwillhelpyouthrive.org

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZHNplt2vxU&t=14s
GoFundMe: bit.ly/HelpUsHelpThemTHRIVE