In the News - 2010
November 23, 2010
I am thankful for Hannah and Friends
Hannah and Friends is hosting its annual Thanksgiving potluck for family, parents, residents, young adults and children who are enrolled in the many programs. My son, now a resident there, went on his weekly shopping trip with his housemates, with the support from Mosaic staff. My son decided to buy a ham with his food stamps to contribute to this festive occasion. Being able to make this decision independently made him feel quite proud. He wants to give back to his neighbors and friends. I am thankful that I can still learn valuable lessons from my special son as he continues to grow and learn at this very beautiful place. These fine people with different abilities, teach valuable lessons, if only society would hunger to learn from them.
"Each one of them is Jesus in disguise." — Mother Teresa
Katherine Robinson Coleman
alumna
Class of 1978
October 12, 2010
A Quiet Sacred Place
As I watched the Notre Dame claim a victory, I could not help but think of Coach Weis and his wife Maura, Charlie Jr. and sweet Hannah. I was watching the game with my precious son and his wonderful neighbors at Hannah and Friends Farm in the beautiful Eck Rec Facility. My son just recently became a resident there this summer.
My autistic son will never graduate from Notre Dame like I did, but he graduated to becoming independent at the Jon Bon Jovi home with support from Mosaic staff and Hannah and Friends staff. Having autism, a communication disorder and auditory processing difficulties, he greets each new day with enthusiasm and hope. My son is my champion. I am proud of his many accomplishments at his ripe age of 22. He has become a leader, and helps his friends at the Day programs at Hannah and Friends - a quiet sacred place not far from campus, where miracles happen daily. This is one place every student needs to visit before they graduate from the University of Notre Dame.
Come and see the legacy the Weis family left. A place where angels walking the earth are respected, celebrated and loved unconditionally. Come and say hello to the welcoming residents - they will make your heart smile. When you leave, you can say a prayer at the grotto of Mother Mary donated by the Golic family. I will never forget the legacy the Weis family left us, and when my time comes to meet my Almighty Maker, I know my son will be taken care of.
Until then, it's just 2.8 miles away to visit my favorite hero.
Katherine Robinson Coleman
alumna
Class of 1978
October 9, 2010
Hannah and Friends fundraiser set
SOUTH BEND — For Sharon Bui Green, the Hannah and Friends Neighborhood is a piece of paradise.
"Everything in the world could be going wrong, but if you step on that property, you just feel like it's a little haven," Green said.
The 40-acre property, a residential community for adults with special needs, will host the Haunted Harvest at Hannah and Friends event from 7:30 p.m. until midnight Oct. 23. The location is 51250 Hollyhock Road in Clay Township.
The evening will include a bonfire, wagon rides, live music by Darryl Buchanan and Reflections and catering from Maury's Pat's Pub. All proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities will finance community outreach programs for children and adults with special needs.
Hannah Weis, the daughter of Maura and Charlie Weis, the former Notre Dame football coach, inspired the nonprofit organization.
Despite a limited vocabulary because of developmental disorders, Hannah has "different abilities," according to Green, executive director at Hannah and Friends.
"Hannah may know only 50 words, but she's our professor of life because she teaches us to be more loving and compassionate," Green said.
August 25, 2010
The People Who ARE
It's in the press again. I search to find out the context of the word. I see debates all over the web, people bemoaning the 'politically correct' and the 'word police' and making ridiculous claims about having to ban the concept of a 'fire retardant'. Last I looked there's never been a protest about products that protect from fire. Last I looked there's only ever been protests about the use of a word that demeans a group of people.
No matter what the fearless defenders of freedom of speech say, there is a huge difference between a word to describe something that slows fire and someone who learns differently. There's a huge difference between a thing and a person - but, no, maybe not. After reading their diatribes regarding their freedom to spit out hurtful words, they may, really, not see people with disabilities as fully human with a human heart capable human hurt.
July 29, 2010
Hannah and Friends Thanks Supporters
The fourth annual Hannah & Friends motorcycle run took place July 18 at Effin's Last Resort in Smithfield. The scenic run left and returned back to Effin's for a complimentary cookout and outdoor live musical entertainment with Mike Coletta & Friends, Acoustic Edge, the Hitmen, and Our DJ Nate Adams.
There was an organized volleyball tournament "Volley for Awareness & Compassion." Effin's awarded the winning team with a $100 gift certificate.
Many families and children who were recipients of the Hannah's Helping Hands grants showed up to support the cause and enjoy the day. These grants are issued to R.I. low- to moderate-income households for children with special needs. They are quality of life enrichment grants and may be used for whatever the family feels that child needs. The success of the day made it possible with the help of Maura & Charlie Weis to issue out close to $20,000 worth of grants to families in our state.
July 22, 2010
Maura and Charlie attend dinner in Kansas to share mission of
Hannah and Friends
An event scheduled for Friday, July 23, includes special guests Charlie and Maura Weis who will be speaking on behalf of their nonprofit organization, Hannah & Friends. The event will be hosted by Bill and Kathleen Helming in Olathe.
The Weis family recently moved from South Bend, Indiana, but left their hearts with the charity's 40-acre property that offers a housing program for adults and children with special needs. Additionally, the organization features regular events, including children's parties, holiday celebrations, and summer camps.
July 8, 2010
Matt’s place
My name is Matt’s mom. I just moved my autistic son into Hannah and Friends Farm. It is a supported residential neighborhood for adults with different abilities.
Charlie and Maura Weis built this dream charity in honor of their beautiful daughter, Hannah. Hannah has a seizure disorder. They built this neighborhood so she can live independent of them one day with support. In this fast-paced digital disposable world, there is a special community of people, just wanting to be loved for who they are, not being judged, but celebrated.
Slow down, take a chance and dance a dance. Let your heart be touched forever by this special community. I want to thank the Weis family, Hannah and Friends staff, Mosiac staff, Bon Jovi, Peter Schivarelli, coaches, donors, celebrities, professional athletes, parents, grandparents, volunteers, students, siblings, musicians, teachers, therapists and nurses. It takes a village with heart and soul to raise a special community like this. Matt finally has a place to shine with all of his new friends. Come and party at the Family Fest from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Katherine Robinson Coleman
South Bend
June 18, 2010
Charlie Weis Talks Football, Favorite Charity
May 3, 2010
Hannah and Friends is here to stay
I want to touch on the charity that my husband, Charlie, and I started in South Bend. There are disturbing rumors around town regarding Hannah and Friends.
Numerous individuals have indicated to me that Hannah and Friends will be discontinuing programs, selling the land and relocating the charity to Kansas City. These rumors are false and baseless. I do not know where these rumors come from, but I do believe it is important to set the record straight.
The Hannah and Friends Neighborhood will remain in South Bend and we are excited to continually expand our program offerings, including dances, day programs, summer camp and residential living.
Hannah and Friends is here to stay. Our family will be keeping our home in South Bend and returning regularly from Kansas City. If you have any questions, please call Hannah and Friends at (574) 217-7860 or e-mail at sharon@hannahandfriends.org.
Maura Weis
South Bend
