Tree of Hope: Helping locals with disabilities flourish
Tree of Hope (TOH) is holding a campus kick-off on the University of Illinois quad on December 4, from 7-8 p.m., in support of the annual fundraiser. The Johnson Family, this year’s TOH "spokesfamily," will be in attendance.
TOH is a fundraising campaign organized by Champaign County’s Developmental Services Center (DSC) and is completely underwritten by sponsors. Every donated dollar stays local and goes directly to supports and services for persons with developmental disabilities.
TOH began in 1994 with a goal of $40,000. Last year, they raised $108,869, exceeding their goal of $100,000. They have set their goal for this year at $125,000 and DSC Director of Development Janice McAteer is hoping the Johnson Family will help get them there.
“DSC is extremely thankful for the TOH spokesfamilies who, throughout the years, have shared their stories with our community, giving better insight and understanding to what life is like when raising a child with a disability,” McAteer said.
The Johnson Family moved from Florida to Champaign in 2010 and sought services for their three-year-old daughter Zoe, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at six months of age. According to Kinetta Johnson, Zoe’s mother, the Early Intervention Program referred them to DSC’s Family Development Center, which has “helped Zoe to achieve more gains in the last year than she had in previous years.”
“We have benefitted from the wonderful, comprehensive support DSC provides for children and adults with various disabilities. As state and federal funding for people with disabilities continues to diminish, it is essential that our community band together to support DSC,” Johnson said.
McAteer has worked closely with the family over the past few months. “They are a remarkable family who is working extremely hard to make sure Zoe gets all the services and supports she needs to live each step of her life as independently as possible. She is an inspiring young lady who shows perseverance, resolve and peace in the way that humbles those around her. She has a zest for life that is palpable.”
McAteer has been with DSC for eight years and has both a daughter and a sister with disabilities. “It is my life, so I work what I live,” she said. "Parents of a child with a disability worry about who will love, care for and be there for their child when they are gone…I have heard other parents say, ‘If I could only live one hour longer than my child with the disability, I could rest in peace.’ It’s true.”
DSC serves approximately 1,300 children and adults in Champaign County annually, with a commitment to encouraging independence and enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities.
For more information on the Johnson Family and how you can donate to the Tree of Hope campaign please see the DSC website.
Also, be sure to check out the TOH tree, which can be found at the corner of Marketview and Prospect. Each bulb that is lit represents $50 in donations received.
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@Jason: You’re right about that. I get groceries at Schnucks (they carry what I buy, which I can’t say of any other single grocery store in town), and if they have a beer I’m in the market for it’s usually a quarter or two cheaper per 6-…
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Ha! Exactly. You, sir, are welcome at the bar in My House.
Why wait ‘til 3 pm?
I’m excited to go tonight- should be very fun!
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The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
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represent, Matt.
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This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
And without bloodshed. Sounds like the Savoy trustees aren’t as narrow-minded as some of their whiny pants constituents. Do you think quack Snell is already planning an asinine counterattack or is he still laying low after those “threats” against his person?
hey, if hair ain’t gon’ be over your head, my jokes may as well be.
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Excellent. I am glad sometimes American dreams are encouraged, rather than stifled.
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@Dan - Wow. Unfortunately, I have to refrain from further comment due to a previous employment relationship. But with that brief context you might be able to imagine possible comments or responses I could have.
Oh, by the way, the “Champaign County YMCA” no longer exists. The official name is now the “Stephens Family YMCA” (the website has not been updated, but check out the latest program guide). And no, it’s not just the name of the building. It’s the name of the organization.
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The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!