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Teresa Kapocius hasn't added a story.
Ben is 23 and he has Autism... he also has a great sense of
humor, a spectacular voice, a brilliant mind, a compassionate heart,
a gentle soul, and a beautiful spirit that is determined to succeed.
On July 20, 2018, he was granted admission to Exceptional
Minds vocational school in Sherman Oaks, CA! This overview is taken
from their website:
"Exceptional Minds (EM) is a nonprofit vocational
school and working studio that prepares young adults on the autism
spectrum for careers in digital animation and visual effects. The
first and only school of its kind, EM is a dynamic answer to the
high unemployment and social isolation characteristic of today’s
young adults with ASD as they age out of the public school system.
We provide customized instruction in visual effects, digital
animation and work readiness to prepare this underserved
population for lifelong careers. Our full-time, three-year
vocational program offers a crucial bridge between high school and
meaningful employment by building on the strengths of these
individuals. EM also offers private tutoring, small group
instruction, and summer workshops for teens with autism interested
in exploring careers in the digital arts."
This is Ben's shot at a lifelong, viable, realistic, and
attainable career!
On July 21, 2018, I began the process of financing this
adventure. I completed numerous forms seeking financial aid and
student loans to cover the tuition. On Monday, August 6, we got the
great news about financial aid, but there's more... so much more!
The first day of school is September 10 and there is much to do!
I need to rent a Uhaul to carry our belongings West... that
will include gas, tolls, food, and lodging.
Since I am leaving my current job, I need to keep our health
insurance until I qualify in my next position. This will require
costly COBRA payments.
I need to secure a place to live, as the school has no housing
program. My brother and his family have generously offered their
home for starters, but eventually we'll need an apartment much
closer to school. I am hoping to pay several months of rent up
front while I hunt for a job and get a budget in place.
Then there are basic expenses of daily living until I am
gainfully employed.
Why so sudden? Why haven't I prepared for this? The short
answer is that the opportunity came to us very suddenly. Ben
attended a 2-week workshop at Exceptional Minds from June 18 to June
29 to see the school, check out the area, learn about the program,
and see if everything fits. Needless to say, I spent my savings to
pay for the workshop, airline tickets, a rental car, all of those
pesky details, in order to attend that workshop which started this
incredible journey!
Since our return on July 3, things have happened very
quickly! The school saw Ben's tremendous potential and invited him
to apply for a coveted opening, 1 of only 12 spots, for this Fall.
We applied immediately and he was then invited to do the admissions
assessment and interview, which took place on July 20.
At 7:38pm that night, he received his letter of acceptance! Then
came the financial paperwork, the waiting, and finally the great
news on August 6!
So I humbly ask for your help to make this happen. This is
for my amazing son... for his future! I call upon our wonderful
"village" to help me once more in moving Ben toward
independence and a lifelong career. I thank you all in advance for
any donation you can make and/or just sharing this fundraiser on
social media.
With love,
Tracy
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