Atty4kids Kids ~ Say “Go Guthrie!”

by Atty4kids Posted on May 19, 2012

I am amazed at how quickly kids mature these days, but the future Vice President of AFSNC, Zachary Schwager (12), has instructed me to that he would like to blog good wishes to his favorite Sheriff, as have two others who wish to replace me, Josh and Adam. They have Guthrie memorabilia and campaign material coming out their ears!

I am truly amazed that helping disabled children has become their mission too. Be careful–you are highly influential on your kids for regardless.  They want to run the Nonprofit and radio show, we’ll see! I am an idealist and hope I didn’t stress them by the “plan” to save the World! But, they also have great hearts and wonderful values–and want to share their feelings since they cannot vote–a fact which they’re not too happy about.  So, the compromise, is showing off the “Sheriff Guthrie” tattoos–they remind me of every week from that family Jamboree! They are chomping at the bit for the Jamboree #2!

Zachary has never been a quiet child. He testified about the bullying he suffered for 4 months and had the Texas Senate rolling just after dead silent. Pretty powerful for a ten year old to silence the whole Senate! Future, VP Zach and jealous brother Josh have a few well wishes:

Zachary:  ”Sheriff Guthrie”(they understand not yet) “My name is Zachary. I hope you remember me. We are rooting for you and all of my friends on the Christian Missionaries of Roblox are praying too.  Kids with aspergers and autism do not get help and that’s not right.  I hope you can help change that. Good luck.  from Zach. ps, if you win, can I have a badge?

Josh: Mr. “Sheriff Guthrie”, at our new house, we put your signs in our yard and stickers all over mom’s car and my little brother. I had fun at your party. Mom said maybe you will have another party soon. I wish they would let us vote. mom said just pray. I think you will win too. Please send Adam and me a badge too if you can. love Josh

Okay, guys, out of the mouths of babes!  So, if you have not voted, get out and vote!  Don’t miss this great opportunity. You are going to make at least two very service driven little boys very happy! Best wishes from Atty4kids!! – The Adults too!

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Special Needs Children Need You!

by Atty4kids Posted on May 19, 2012

 

One thing I knew in starting Atty4kids was that few people would feel compelled to give money to a non-profit if they believed “lawyers” were getting paid. We’ve shifted our focus several times to find something palatable, and here it is. As I listened to an expert in Philanthropy this morning, a millionaire advisor to Non-Profits, so much of what he said made sense.  One thing few people know is that almost everyone in our society can get a free lawyer except a disabled child~ or even a reduced fee one. People also do not realize the financial toll on families with special needs children, with one parent care-taking, and many medical bills. Third comes a truth you may find hard to believe, but the lawyers in Texas that I know who represent kids do so out of the heart.mI’ve worked with a prior TEA hearing officer for 1 year with a heart of gold.  We routinely took cases for little to nothing because there was nothing to give.  We gambled on ISD’s paying our fees and while they were happy to pay their lawyer $300/hour, the same wasn’t true here. At the end of the day, special needs lawyers–at least me–learn to live on less because a life of charity truly matters. I’ve taken a $60,000 hit this year but I’d do it again for the kids I’ve helped.

A friend once said, the pay sucks but the benefits are great!  So true. As you think of these kids, who have no federal or state grants helping ensure they aren’t tossed aside, please give what you can. If everyone in Atty4kids gave $1.00, we’d have $1202, $10.00, $12,021.00.  With $12k, we can help 6 kids or more. You truly are changing a child’s life and trust me, you don’t want to know what happens to these kids without advocates to stand in the gap for them. We are happy to answer questions and please call our President,  281.508.7722. We appreciate your giving!


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POOH BEAR ON LOVE

by Atty4kids Posted on May 19, 2012

 

Pooh Bear seems to certainly have referred to friend, Piglet, when he said, “If you live to be 100, I hope to live to be 100 minus 1 day so that I’ll never have to live without you!” Grab the Kleenex. He then said something I promise to tell my husband and 3 little boys, “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart.. i’ll always be with you.I suspect he took that line from Jesus. I don’t know if he had a copy of Proverbs, but he got it–much more than most of us. ”A friend loves at all times,and a brother is born for adversity.”. 17:17. “Love your brother as yourself. Phil 2:3.mPooh understood that he was actually suppose to love Piglet more. He seemed to understand the power of love. “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” and that of faith, hope, and love, the greatest was love. 1 Cor. A2:13.

The World seems to not even get what Pooh Bear did. Selfish ambition and a lack of heart that throws those aside who no longer serve their purpose is the rule, rather than exception. Fortunately, I am extremely blessed by a few women who get it, like Pooh, even more so. I’ve never met many of them, but they’re family–make mo mistake. Without naming the ones who know who you are, “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together..there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think..and I’ll always be with you.” ~ Pooh Bear & Me.




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Dr. Suess at an ARD Meeting

by Atty4kids Posted on May 19, 2012

Do you like your IEP?  Would you like it in a tree?  Could we move a bit more slowly? No I do not like this IEP, it was written in CCISD ;Could you please throw some more garbage at me? Would you like an IEP from the Board Members of Alief ISD? No I would not you see! They’re suing parents just like me.m Would you like an IEP from Conroe ISD? Oh no, the same attorney! How about an IEP from GISD? Ask Sandra and you will see. No one gets IEPs in GISD! I do not want your IEP. I would not like it in a tree. It’s full of garbage! Why? The people writing it are lazy! And lying thugs!

I want an IEE.  Would you like an IEE? Oh if thou would simply offer it to thee! No one ever gets an IEE! Only fudged up IEPs that rarely move past 1,2.3. Could we move any more slowly? Just 1, 2,3 and 1, 2, 3. I do not like your IEPs! I do not like your FIEs! Like a dog, they’re full of fleas. Would you like to go to ARD? Oh please no ARD for me! We meet and meet and meet. But nothing ever is complete. I do not like the forms I see. I am tired of seeing 1,2,3. Lofty aspirations for my child, I see? All the while you shout with glee!

I do not want an ARD you see. I will not go to ARD with thee! Oh please just let me be! I do not want to meet you there, I will not meet you anywhere! We won’t be meeting at the school.I’d rather push you in a pool! Oh, how surrounded I am by thugs and fools! I’m so over public school. Did you forget my FIE? It’s been 4 years, too bad for thee. You’ve violated federal law, yippee! It’s private school, sweet Zachary! In my rear view mirror, CCISD! No more pathetic FIEs, no more garbage IEPs! Oh! how I dread this ISD! Never more for me to see…I’m packing my bags for Florid-ee! And Rogers will stop messin’ with me. The MacKay Scholarship, now that’s for me! So, take your lofty IEPs, that drag along with 1,2,3′s! And I will take sweet Zachary to a place where life can be…could it be…Senator Dan Patrick of the Texas Tea Party caucus taking note of thee? Dan, an attorney for kids, with vouchers in hand for thee? We’re working on it, Texas. You’ll see. Operation No Mo’ Green Eggs and Ham in Overdrive!

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Autism Grand Champion Artist Grant On Fire!

by Atty4kids Posted on May 19, 2012

 

Meet Grant Manier-Coy as he shows you a side of Autism you never imagined existed:  the Art of Autism or Arism, as I like to call it.  Grant’s artistic talent began when he was just a tot and you will never imagine how he creates his masterpieces.  He rips recycled paper into tiny shreds of paper and makes incredible originals, as depicted on the calendar, my favorite being Mount Rushmore!  The detail is stunning.  Grant is a hit and his career is exploding, proof that disability might just be an incredibility if we take the time to support our children and nourish their gifts.  $20 and you can have one of these terrific calendars! Purchase at http://www.grantsecoart.com or http://www.atty4kids. This amazing kid is donating a portion of his proceeds sold through Atty4kids back to us! Now that’s setting an example! Anthony Rivera is another jaw dropping Autistic Artist that you cannot miss, http://www.anthonyriveragallery.com.


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Jefferson Awards Honor the Legendary Michelle Guppy

by Atty4kids Posted on May 19, 2012

Michelle is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking, a program that trains disability advocates in Texas; is appointed to the Children’s Policy Council; and has had several writings published. Her greatest accomplishment is simply being a mother who has tirelessly cared for her precious son she loves so dearly.

Atty4kids was blessed to have Michelle as a Board Member for a brief time, with Michelle ultimately concluding that her resources mandated that her focus be with her son and HADN. In my heart, she never left and is a phone call or e-mail away. Michelle is infamous for the Autism Disability Network’s Statewide e-mail conglomerate, reporting sometime ago a cumulative 77,575 e-mails to date. She has answered many emails of distraught parents through her journey, presided over monthly meetings–one of which I had the pleasure to speak. Michelle is so kind and as I concluded, remarked, “I think I’ve just found my new best friend, Candy.” I laughed as many parents called me “My best friend Candy” for a time and thank Michelle for much undeserved praise.

I also thank her for being a distinguished guest of Atty4kids Radio show not one, but two times. To date, she garnered the largest live audience the program has ever had in it’s 15 month tenure and largest number of archived listeners. Attorneys for Special Needs Children is so proud to know a remarkable woman like Michelle Guppy. She’s a rare find and truly dedicated to those whose family members suffer disabilities. Though necessities of life have created a bit of distance, you’re still be best friend to me, Michelle. Congratulations!

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Atty4kids’ Choice is Clear! Louis Guthrie for Sheriff

by Atty4kids Posted on May 19, 2012

While I’ve been personally behind Louis Guthrie in his bid to restore integrity, efficiency, morale and respect in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, I am pleased to announce that Attorneys for Special Needs Children (“AFSNC”) endorses Louis Guthrie as the man of the Hour, with so many special needs families throughout Harris County, and beyond. Our crew is in Go Guthrie, Take it Home Mode!  And we seem to be joining a tidal wave of Texans who have seen Louis Guthrie’s superior command experience, sophisticated drug busts of Los Zetas Drug Cartel, to the tune of $4 million dollars in marijuana only weeks ago, Guthries strategic plan to take our streets back through detailed budget allocations APPROPRIATE to keep you safe, the overwhelming support we knew Louis would gain–simply by being Louis–the best man imaginable to replace Adrian Garcia in November!

AFSNC is a 1208 Member Non-Profit Texas Corporation organized to fight for the civil rights of disabled children!  From day one, Louis Guthrie has done more to help promote the Nonprofit so that families know we are here, than any other donee. He is deeply committed to family, his gorgeous, sweet wife, Cheryl, and loves these kiddos and this cause because he has seen the heart in our work. He has seen that we put ourmoney, time, talents, and service where it’s needed most…disabled kids. As President & CEO, I proudly announce our support of one Candidate who has restored my faith in justice. As a lawyer who was a bit idealistic upon entering the harsh world of litigation I was dismayed to personally witness so much injustice against children, most of whom had no voice or advocate to stand for them and fight! I was demoralized, wondering how we could ever make a difference in the “SYSTEM” i was so sheltered from?

I fought hard, donating 700 hours to Texas kids in 2011. Im blessed to have touched the lives of children, who I believe will walk a path of dignity and receive the assistance federal law mandates. But it seemed slow coming, questioning whether we could ever expect to make a difference? And then, like answered prayer, Louis Guthrie announces he is taking the bull by the horns and going for 2012 Sheriff! Ive known Louis 25 years. He is solid. He is unique! Highly qualified but most important, a man of high moral character, who truly wants to serve. He is the most qualified Candidate for the Job and we encourage you, special needs advocates, parents, families, and all who want to see a Sheriff’s Office run with integrity by a man who cares about families. Louis is a leader of the best kind…he has a servant’s heart. He loves justice and cares for your safety. With Louis Guthrie, rest assured in a new day at the HCSO. Justice will be blind! Under his lead. The Bible says that when righteous leaders govern, the people rejoice! So, let’s gear up for Louis Guthrie’s 2nd Jamboree! Please get out and vote with conviction for a man who will restore so many things lost in our Sheriff’s Office, public confidence #1!

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