Alex

Testimonials

“Today, Alex has a chance for a happy life. Without Heartspring we doubted that would have been possible. The staff with their knowledge and work has achieved what no one else has been able to do in (how many?) years. He is surrounded by people who like him and care about him and believe in him. His problems are understood and addressed in a calm assured manner. No matter what question we have the response of Heartspring staff has always shown that our concerns have already been considered and addressed.

We will never forget the comment we got from Heartspring staff after we had submitted all the paperwork: ‘Yes, we can help him.’ We were afraid to believe at first. Now we know they were right.

For the future (now that we believe he does have a future): When Alex leaves Heartspring we don't consider that his learning days are over. Our plan is to have a team in place to continue the work of Heartspring staff so Alex can continue to learn and adjust to life to give him as independent a life as possible, a life that includes work; activities in the community and with friends and family; and activities he enjoys by himself.”

- Bill and Christina, Alex’s parents

Josh

“Josh’s confidence and self esteem continues to grow. Heartspring has been an awesome blessing in our lives and Josh has totally changed. He is so proud of himself each time he tries or finishes something new. Heartspring has wonderful, caring staff members that have become part of our family. They have worked with us and Josh to help him become the active young man he is today.” 

– David and Julie, Josh’s parents

“We know Heartspring was an answer to prayer. We had to love her so much to do the best thing for her. She has a better quality of life because of Heartspring. Heartspring has special programs and special people. It made life easier for us knowing she was taken care of.”

- Jim and Cheryl, Melissa’s parents

Sydney

“Our daughter, Sydney, has autism, pervasive developmental disorder and doesn’t speak. She was out of control, physically hurting us and herself. We needed help. We needed hope. Hope came from Heartspring. Sydney has made remarkable progress, decreasing her aggressive behaviors by 90%. The educational, vocational and social gains she has worked so hard to achieve came as a result of the consistent program and caring staff Heartspring has provided. Thank you. Our beautiful young daughter now has the chance to live and prosper.”

- Edward and Jamie, Sydney’s parents

Alice

“There are tears in my eyes and my talent to express myself verbally has abandoned me. For seven years Alice has grown, learned and achieved under the tutelage of a myriad of Heartspring staff. Just by bringing her into Heartspring they saved her life. But then they gave her a chance for a new life, first by believing in her, then by working day by day with her and lastly by caring about her. All my heart and soul sends you the thanks of a grateful parent.” 

-Sarah, Alice’s mom

Shae

“We truly believe that Heartspring is the only place that can give her the best chance of getting better. Shae has been at Heartspring for almost two years and is progressing positively with the support of teachers, therapists and staff.”

-Anthony and Heide, Shae’s parents

“Izzy is a different person than the little girl that first arrived at Heartspring in December of 2007. The progress she has made at Heartspring is absolutely amazing! It has only been possible because of the expertise and skill of the staff there. We know that it hasn’t been easy, but their persistence and ability to adjust to her needs and their unfailing support are the only reasons Izzy has made the gains that she has since first arriving there. Heartspring is her second home and the staff and students there are her family. Izzy is learning the academic and life skills necessary to live the most successful life possible for her now and in the future. We feel truly blessed that Izzy is at Heartspring and you will always be family to us!”

-Paul and Michelle, Izzy’s parents

Brandon

“Just returning home from Wichita, KS, I am once again overwhelmed with how wonderful Heartspring is. We moved into Heartspring two years ago this month. I just knew and was absolutely positive that we were the only people in the world that had our ‘problem’ and we would be getting kicked out and sent back home within no time at all. Low and behold, as the days and weeks, then months went by, my son improved, the blue forms and phone calls became less and less and we are still at Heartspring! I can truly say that I had the best weekend with my son that I have ever had in my life. I can only attribute this to each and everyone of the Heartspring staff that sincerely care about our children. I had an opportunity to meet with a few of the parents that have just moved their child to Heartspring. I can see that they are suffering in many ways that I did when we first moved in. As a parent, we face so many different emotions with a child with special needs. No one handed us this golden book on how to handle our child and give us the direction that is necessary for our child to be successful for what the good Lord has in store for us! By talking to a mother, I was trying to console her and told her that we would meet again in a year and her daughter would be a totally different child! She was very anxious that her daughter’s behaviors may be bothering others. With a big hug and smile, I firmly explained to her that she now has a whole new family and it is called Heartspring. This family knows, cares and will never blink an eye or judge her daughter for who she is. Heartspring is a very special place where our children are accepted for who they are. Although each child’s degree of disability is different, we all share that common denominator and we all suffer daily in big and small ways. Brandon woke me up this morning and said, ‘Mom, I had the best time with my family this weekend. I love you so much, but it is time for me to go home. I need to take my medicine and get in the shower.’ We always say ‘It hurts right here’ rubbing our hearts, but then say ‘Heartspring rules!’ Holding back the tears, I hugged my son, drove off and said my prayer, ‘Thank God for Heartspring.’ Words cannot express how my family is so grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

- Jill, Brandon’s mom

Sami

“It is amazing how unaware the surrounding community is of this incredible oasis for special needs children that is tucked in the middle of their busy, ‘normal’ community. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if more people could experience a trip to Heartspring and, if nothing else, come away with a new understanding needed of sensitivity and acceptance of people who think, see, and live differently than they do. How nice it would be for our community to see that the kids at Heartspring aren’t ‘disabled’, but rather ‘differently-abled’, and that’s ok! You all really live the true meaning to the saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ and are the wind beneath their wings!”

- Dawn, Sami’s mom