Our Why

At Freedom 2 Hope, Inc., we see the value in everyone. 

We want to be a catalyst for positive change, and we are driven by the ideas that include the following: 

Support, Empowerment, and Community. 

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that caregivers of children with special needs, particularly autism, experience chronic, high-stress levels comparable to combat soldiers?

Yes, this is a fact.  While taking a graduate course on stress, I researched a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison that found that mothers of adolescents and adults who were on the autism spectrum had low levels of a stress hormone (cortisol) similar to soldiers in combat, indicating chronic stress exhaustion.

After reading this I cried for hours because I knew this to be true first hand, but I didn't understand exactly how to explain what I was feeling.  Also, I felt validated and seen and I knew I had to tell others so that they could also experience what I was feeling.  I needed to do something to change this for those currently on the journey with me and for the caregivers coming behind me because this was not healthy for the caregiver nor the individuals receiving the care.

Dear caregiver, you are not overreacting, being dramatic or weak.  None of this is your fault and you are amazing.

   You are carrying a lot, doing so much, loving hard & trying to manage.

I See YOU!

The overall vision of Freedom 2 Hope, Inc. is to provide hope to caregivers as they navigate the autism journey through support and self-care groups and community building to empower families and individuals to not only survive, but thrive.  

Our plan is to build a tight and trusting community and provide a safe space for meditation and various self-care activities and opportunities for families.