our 40th anniversary

Well, we did it. With a lot of help from a lot of wonderful people, we managed to throw a pretty spectacular shindig at the stunning San Jose City Hall last Saturday night. With visits from a host of VIPs, including our very own Mayor Chuck Reed, and many families and old friends of Morgan Autism Center, the night was indeed special. The art work of the students was, as always, unique and intriguing, and some, magnificent, but the highlight of the evening( for me anyway) was when one of our adult clients, Wanda, and her older sister, Renay, came up to speak. Renay very briefly spoke of how her single mom, Donna, and family of five girls was constantly perplexed by her youngest sister's strange and confusing behavior. When Wanda was five, her mother consulted a psychologist for advice and was told to take her home and let her 'play in the mud.' Not exactly helpful. She found a program for Wanda, but Wanda quickly regressed, until the school asked her mother to keep her home. About that time, Wanda's speech therapist told Wanda's mom that she had seen a new program that looked like it was designed for Wanda. So, Wanda started at Morgan Autism Center when she was 7 years old. Her mother always has said that once she started at MAC, Wanda seemed to feel like 'there was a place in the world for her'. And their family has been very grateful for all the years Wanda has been with us, helping her understand and navigate a very confusing world.

While Renay was speaking at our gala, Wanda stood next to her, beaming and thoroughly enjoying being the under the spotlight. As soon as Renay finished, Wanda asked if she could speak. She took the microphone and with a strong voice told everyone how much she enjoyed the evening and being at Morgan Autism Center. She was so unexpectedly spontaneous it was wonderful to hear, unrehearsed and unpolished, but herself. And that was perfect and a perfect tribute to the many years of the Morgan Autism Center.