According to Connecting Point Park Cities volunteer/parent of a “teammate” JoAnn Ryan,
“Please allow me the opportunity to tell you about an amazing organization serving the adults with special needs in our community.
“Connecting Point of Park Cities was founded because of a lack of programs in Dallas County for our special adults. While you may find multiple programs for children with special needs, once that child turns 21, the options all but evaporate. This led a group of parents, professionals and many, many people with exceptional hearts to create a board and bring this incredible program to life.
“CPPC is celebrating their 10th year of operations and what a wonderful opportunity for My Sweet Charity Wish List wishes to come true!
“On Thursday, April 18, CPPC along with the tremendous support of the incredible people at Harwood International are planning Hope Fest|Connect 2024!
“Hope Fest|Connect 2024! will include dinner, drinks, concert by the Ray Johnston band and you will leave this party knowing you have changed the lives of many adults with special needs in our community. How often can you say that?
“Hopefully if you’re reading this letter to become a sponsor of this incredible event and/or buy some tickets, you’ll join us for a night to remember and one that will touch their hearts.
“For more information about CPPC, go to the CPPC website www.mycppc.org or contact [email protected].
“You may be asking, what makes CPPC so special?
“I can speak to the high quality of this program because my son [Ryan Albers] who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury as a high school junior was one of those who reached 21 and had no fulfilling options. Since the opening of CPPC in 2014, he has attended as much as possible and even during Covid was able to participate in the incredible online courses they offered for those unable to leave home.
“Thankfully, my son has been nurtured, stimulated, developed friendships, and feels part of a community in which the focus is no longer on what he can’t do, but rather finding ways he can do the activities at whatever level he can. That is an amazing gift! To be accepted and celebrated for exactly who he is, isn’t that what we are all seeking?
“To name just a few of these, my son has participated in activities such as adaptive music, art, tennis, technology, cooking, life skills, and even volunteering. You see, at CPPC, everyone can give back! He has gone on outings to the North Texas Food Bank, Tom Thumb grocery store, NorthPark Center, movies, the Dallas Aquarium, the Dallas Museum of Art, explored the YMCA tech truck with video games, heard a pop-up concert held at CPPC by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
“As you can see, this very special program is widespread and varied in its offerings so that my son and all the other ‘teammates’ (the name for those whot attend), can truly live a purposeful, meaningful life. The incredible staff take this mission very seriously and are always looking for new opportunities.
“But there is always the ‘what if…’ question.
“What if those reading this would decide to sponsor Hope Fest|Connect 2024!, benefitting CPPC for a great event, earning the funds to provide another year of incredible services?
“Transforming lives can happen!!
“More of the adults on our wait list could join the program and enrich their lives. The need is so great and the resources so limited.
“I hope you will surprise us at CPPC by making our Christmas wish for a landslide of sponsors and a sold-out event come true!”
* Graphic/photo provided by JoAnn Ryan
