Raising children is both challenging and rewarding. Parents with children with special needs face even bigger challenges. I have been blessed to have the support of my own mother to help me through this process. At the time of Poohbear's birth, I wasn't a nurse and I didn't really know what to expect during the delivery. I assumed that the delivery was normal. Looking back there were some signs of potential future disabilities. First, there was the meconium during birth, which I now know was a sign of fetal distress. Then there was the excessive blood loss. And lastly, there was the bilirubin lights he used during hospitalization for jaundice. Everyone insisted he would be fine. At the age of 18 months Poohbear stopped saying "Mama and Dada", but all the doctors assured me there was no problem. That was the last time I heard Poohbear speak, then came the tip-toe walking, and repetitive rocking. Finally at approximately age 3, I took Poohbear to the University of Iowa for an evaluation (just to give me a piece of mind). The evaluation started with a questionnaire, I remember it like it was yesterday. Question 1- What do you think is wrong with your child? I answered maybe autistic, mental retardation, or ADHD. I cried and went numb at the end of the evaluation when I was informed that it was all three. But this diagnosis was a turning point in my life. It redefined me as an individual. From that point my life was about providing the best home possible for Kendell. I went to college and earned my Masters Degree, and everyday I thank God for the three angels He has given me. I have always tried to give back to the community. So when I decided to start a nonprofit, I asked myself these questions- What is my biggest fear? What am I passionate about? The answer- my biggest fear is dying and not having a home for Kendell. I'm passionate about securing a home for Kendell, and guaranteeing that Poohbear will be taken care of. I started looking at the options available in my area and was disappointed in what I found. There were limited numbers of facilities (none in my immediate area). The remaining facilities had long waiting lists, were unaffordable, or just wasn't what I had envisioned as the life I wanted for Poohbear. Hence the name, A Home For Kendell. My plans are to acquire land and build a house for adults with autism. As we all know, autism is on the rise. And we as a nation need to ensure that these individuals have a place to call home.

Thank you for your support in helping make A Home For Kendell.
Patrice Gurley-Draine, President/Founder