Saturday, January 8, 2011

A Styling Opportunity for the Non-Profit Autumn's Dawn

I don't post just a whole lot about my personal life, but today is different.  I have a 20 year old sister whom I adore and love with all of my heart named Autumn Dawn Howard.  She is one of the many blessings I have as far as close relationships go, and I enjoy each and every moment we spend together.  Autumn struggled through much of her junior high and especially high school years.  Not because Autumn wasn't smart or didn't apply herself, Autumn has Asperger's Syndrome. Asperger's Syndrome is a developmental disorder that makes it very hard for one to interact socially with others.  It has similar traits as autism, but many Asperger's children go undetected and are simply classified as "socially awkward."  Autumn was not diagnosed until the age of 16, so she went almost her entire school career without a diagnoses.  This is the reason my parents put together the non-profit organization called Autumn's DawnAutumn's Dawn is an organization dedicated to the development of young adults finishing high school with Autism Spectrum Disorders into a stable independent adult life.  While trying to find options for Autumn after high school, my parents realized that there were not a lot and statistics showed many of these young adults ending up without jobs and without friends.  They were determined this would not happen to my sister and wanted to help other young adults in the same situation.
This is my sweet sister, Autumn

The Autumn's Dawn center officially opened in October 2010 and has been getting organized and prepared to take on clients and begin seminars to help these clients.  One of the center's first clients was a young lady by the name of Linda.  After going through testing and setting up goals for herself, Linda decided it would be necessary for her to revamp her entire wardrobe.  She is normally intimidated by shopping and not sure what to buy or even what style she wanted.  That is where I got to be of service to her.  The Director of Programming, Amy, asked if I would like to join she and Linda for a shopping extravaganza! Would I!?? I was SO excited to be a part of this organization and volunteer to help out in any way I could.  So last Thursday me, Amy, and Linda headed out for a shopping trip to remember! We went to Kohl's and all picked out many different outfits for Linda to try.  She tried on every single piece of clothing we put together, and she even learned how to shop, what she did and didn't like, and she said that she had fun! This was the first time she had gone shopping stress free!
She even let me video some of our adventure with my new Flip.  I put together a little video montage of our outing, and I used music from The Cure since Linda told me she really liked them.
This organization is so near and dear to me, I just had to share it with everyone!! And if you want to read more about Autumn's Dawn or have questions about Aspergers's Syndrome, click HERE.
Here is our video!!



Thank you All!!

XX

31 comments:

Diana said...

your sister is so beautiful! this program sounds really incredible and i lovvved the video! what a fun day :)

http://dressedupallligators.blogspot.com/

Veronika said...

great video for a great cause :)thanks for sharing this!

Kirstin said...

Wow. Just wow. I can't believe how amazing your family is! As a highschool teacher in training, I am so glad you made me aware of your sister's struggles and of how much support every individual needs! It's nice to be reminded of how we can help too!

Luna Tiger said...

Angela you're such a beautiful person, beautiful inside too, heart and soul ! And your family too !
http://selenite.weebly.com/

Dawn said...

Thank you for sharing this story about your sister...I can see how important she is to you. It is good to know this info. Your video is so fun and you are really good at making them...love it. Dawn Suitcase Vignettes..

Unknown said...

You and your family are so inspirational! I love you and your blog more and more!

Keep up the good work, you're clearly already making a huge difference to people's lives.

www.blahblahbecky.co.uk

p.s. Thanks, I took a bit of an unintended break over Christmas but it's good to be back!

Katie | FashionFrugality.com said...

What an awesome thing to do! It looks like you guys had fun to boot! :)

Anonymous said...

AAAwwww Angela, you are such a sweetheart!! How inspiring is this??!!!! And you pick out great outfit for Linda!!! She is so cute with the blue dress
<3
http://reserveradefashion.blogspot.com

Michaela said...

It sounds amazing to be able to make a difference. It's a great thing to do.
http://haveyoueverfalleninlove.blogspot.com/

Shybiker said...

Wonderful post. Your sister is lovely and I've gained even more respect for you (if that's possible).

My wife is a teacher and she's had students with Asperger's which is where I learned about it. I applaud your family's efforts.

Kat said...

such a great video!! you sister is soo pretty!! your family is sooo amazing! you guys are truly beautiful people! :)

katslovefashion.blogspot.com

Claudia Paola said...

Your sister looks lovely! She has such a beautiful smile! Thank you for sharing this story- this is truly inspiring. What a wonderful cause.. And that video is so cute! It looks like you guys had a good time getting down to business!

*Claudia* x
Molto ❤ Fashion

Jodi said...

This brought tears to my eyes.. I LOVE the video.. oh you are so generous and caring and your family is too.. I am so inspired!!!! xoxo

Ashelle said...

Such a great cause. Its sad to think that many people with those diagnosis don't get jobs or have friends. There should be more organizations like Autumns.

It looks like you guys had a lot of fun shopping. Such a cute video.

Ninjagaiden78 said...

This is such a good thing you are doing.

windowshopz.com

Frozen Fashion said...

So touched Angela!


*~*~*

Twirl Twirl Twirl!

Autumn

Linda

Angela

Take Today

And twirl away!

*~*~*


I am bookmarking Autumn's Dawn website.



♥♥

Ciao Ciao Bella Donna

Check out my Give Away @
http://hotfreezingfashion.blogspot.com/
Sharing Lots of Love n Fun!
♥♥

Anonymous said...

Wow! This is seriously amazing, Angela. You are just so good in and out. Keep it up! Who wouldn't want to go shopping with you?!

Xo,
Erika
www.styleactivist.com

Anonymous said...

Wow once again you prove what an amazing person you are! What a HUGE HEART!!!! please let me know if i can help in any way seriously!!!

-Monica

Anonymous said...

Your sister is so gorgeous and you two are wonderfully lucky to have each other. :)

I am so proud of you Angela, you are getting to use your talent to benefit such a wonderful cause. Not many people has the chance to do that. :) That video was really touching as was the story. Keep up the amazing work.

Look forward to hearing from you

Love

Tashrin from Canada

Fashion Limbo said...

fantastic work Angela! what a great idea to help others like this. Very inspiring and I'm sure it was fun to do to.
Kudos to you, my dear, and your family too xxx

Alisha said...

This post was very touching. You should be so proud of your sister.xox

http://fascinationforfashion-akm.blogspot.com

Dear Girl Wallflower said...

You know, you have such a wonderful kindness in you, beauty is not just outside. This is a touching story to be able to help people in need esp in her condition.
* on your prev post, I am the 1. and 3. i like the very girly or the modern rock look.=)
p.s we have decided to move to Missouri, we went there to see the place. Moving to another country has many consequences in our part.

Fashion Court said...

this is such an amazing story and i'm glad you shared it with us. i have a family member with a disorder as well as another family member who works as a teacher specializing with helping kids in disorder. you and your sister are both beautiful and amazing people.

Ashley said...

This whole post and story is very cool. I'm amazed that your parents started a non-profit organization...call me crazy, but I wasn't aware just two people could do that. I'm going to go check out the website in a minute.

I "knew" a kid with Asperger's Syndrome and I think, like your sister, the condition went undetected in him for a long time. I wonder how many other people I know of that have it but aren't aware of it.

silvergirl said...

Angela
loved reading your story
my brother's oldest son (6) was diagnosed last year.
I have a really good friend that is a ABBA case worker, so I have many connections to this syndrome
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!!!

Zarna said...

this is such a great story - thank you so much for sharing.

i will definitely go over to the website and check it out.

Collette Osuna said...

What a great video hunnie....the program sounds so awesome....this post just made my heart feel all warm..thank you friend:)

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Jenarcissist @ the closet narcissist said...

Asperger's seems to be gaining more publicity lately (I seem to keep running across it), which is a great and necessary thing, and I'm proud of your sister, your parents, and of you! Thanks for sharing this! The more people find out about it, the better.

verotronik said...

first of all you are blessed that you have a lovable sister!
Second, I would like to say congratulations to you parents who not only embrassed your sister with love, but they try to help also other children!
I would like to wish all the best to your wonderful try to make world better! :D


Veronica
blameboogie.blogspot.com

Jill said...

I have goosebumps reading this post. What a gorgeously generous person you are. I have a special needs child and I can tell you from experience not everyone has your attitude. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us. Please keep up your good work for an important cause!

Jenna said...

This just warmed my heart. What an incredible story and organization. And Linda is fabulous! I hope she loves all her new clothes. :)

XOXO,
J