According to Connecting Point of Park Cities (CPPC) Board Member and Vice President JoAnn Ryan,
“On January 11, 2014, we are excited to hold our inaugural luncheon at the Belo Mansion featuring a lively discussion with Highland Park High School graduate and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw and his wife, Ellen. Clayton recently won his second Cy Young award and is a recipient of the prestigious Roberto Clemente award. The Kershaws have joined with Connecting Point of Park Cities, along with emcee Scott Murray, to make a difference for adults with disabilities here in Dallas.
“My son Ryan (Albers) suffered a traumatic brain injury at age 17 that left him without the ability to communicate or move with purpose. We were completely devastated but blessed by our faith and the support of the Highland Park community, our church and friends who made it possible to make it through each of those dark days.
“Our lives changed once Ryan entered the Life Skills class for students with disabilities at Highland Park High School and learned what Ryan could do. He was able to draw with the help of hand-over-hand assistance; enjoy the experience of baking chocolate chip cookies; listen to music and friends reading the sports page to him; and experience the feeling of being part of a group of students and peer tutors who welcomed him.
“The positive effect of this program made us recognize the growing need to assist students who age out of the pubic school program at age 21. We found that while there are many programs in our community for children or teens with disabilities, the choices for adults with disabilities were slim in Dallas County compared to other programs around the country.
“A group of dedicated parents and professionals joined together to change this, and Connecting Point of Park Cities was born. After nearly two years of research, we are ready to open our facility as soon as the required funds are raised. We began our campaign to raise $300,000 in June 2013 and to-date have reached 1/3 of our goal. In addition, the Episcopal Church of St. Thomas the Apostle has generously offered classrooms for our facility.
“We hope you will consider joining us for what promises to be a fun-filled conversation with the Kershaws, followed by a book signing of their book, Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself. Jan Osborn will serve as luncheon chair along with co-chairs Dr. Janie Hamner and Nancy Himes. Individual tickets are $150, and tables are available for $1,500, $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000. To purchase tables or tickets, please visit http://mycppc.org/team/. “
-JoAnn Ryan, Connecting Point of Park Cities board member and vice president
* Graphic and photo provided by Connecting Point of Park Cities