From Charlie and Maura Weis
Dear Friends,
We hope all is well for you and your families and wish you all a great upcoming Holiday Season. We had another year blessed by God whom we like to call our Chairman of the Board. Many great things have happened this year for Hannah and Friends. Charlie was appointed to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities and we are really proud of the work he has done for them. One of their missions was to get the word out that people with what we like to call "different abilities" have a lot to offer many businesses. They are truly grateful for opportunities to get in the work force and show up to work every day with a smile on their faces and love in their hearts. How many of us can honestly say the same? The light within each of these individuals is impossible to hide once we get to know them and care for them as unique individuals. Our Hannah has shown us and many people how wonderful and special they truly are. Their lives are very important and the quality of their lives is something we can always improve on.
Our farm which all of you have helped to build is up and running. We had our open house this summer and it was a wonderful experience. So many people showed up and we even had a surprise visit from Charlie who left training camp to come say "hi". It was a very emotional day for all of us at Hannah and Friends, our vision was coming to fruition and we were really in awe. When looking out the Eck Rec Center, you will see a barn and pasture in the back being build. Our first 2 horses should be in by December. We also have our first two residential homes being built and should be completed by early 2009.
At present, we are waiting to hear if we have been approved by the State of Indiana to be our own agency. Hopefully, by early 2009 we will have our first eight residents who will have happy, vital, lives being surrounded by friends and family.
We also have our two memorial parks which one is almost completed. One of the parks has a waterfall running through it and pavers with the names of folks who are honored or memorialized. There will be benches and a walking path there for folks who visit and the residents who want a peaceful place to go and get some quiet time. Naming rights for these two special parks are currently available.
Between the rec center, the barn, the memorial parks, and of course the residential homes, our farm is something you all should be proud of because you made it happen!
We want you to know that last year was one of our best years yet as far as fund raising goes. We cannot thank you enough as we know there are lots of great charities out there. Unfortunately, for many organizations, when things get cut out of the budget, it often comes at the expense of our innocent special needs folks who often rely on the goods or services provided. Because of your financial support, we have continued to further our mission of improving the lives of individuals with special needs.
Just this year alone, we gave out almost $100,000 in grant funds. These funds are used for riding programs, music programs, gym memberships, bikes, and fun exercise equipment which families could not purchase in their budgets. Believe me when I say these grants change peoples’ lives. Many of our grant recipient families came to our first family night this month and you would not believe how thankful they are. You are making a huge difference in their lives, and we are grateful for your continued support.
On a personal note, Coach has been very busy with the football season, recruiting and with his family, but he always has time for Hannah and Friends and the special friendships we have made through Hannah and Friends. Charlie Jr. is a student coach at his high school and he has decided he wants to be a coach. No surprise there I guess! Hannah is still our inspiring special angel who goes into the world everyday with a smile on her face. She has taught all of us the true meaning of Unconditional Love. She has given us the gift of giving and caring about many things that we may not have if she had not been in our lives. She and all of the folks with "different abilities" are our greatest teachers if we are willing to learn.
God Bless,
Maura & Charlie Weis
