ASCEND

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We're hiring!!! Please share!

🐾 HOPE HAVEN RANCH NEEDS YOUR HELP 🐾

As many of you know, our beloved George went missing around June 1st. Despite our efforts, we haven’t been able to bring him home. 💔

For 3½ years, George was more than a dog—he was family, our ranch mascot, and the faithful guardian of our chickens. We miss him deeply and still hope to learn what happened.

Life at the ranch must go on, and yesterday I spotted a coyote near our chicken pasture. Without George, our flock is at risk.

We’re asking our community for help. We’re looking for a livestock guardian dog who needs a loving home and an important job at Hope Haven Ranch. Ideally, a dog with experience around chickens or the right instincts to protect them.

This dog would become part of the Hope Haven Ranch family, loved by our residents and staff, with space to roam and a flock to watch over.

If you know of a suitable dog or a rescue that can help, please reach out or share this post.

No dog could replace George. ❤️ But there’s an empty place at the ranch—and a flock that needs a protector.

🐕 🐓 Please help us find our next faithful guardian. 🐓 🐕

Thank you for sharing!

As parents of a son with profound autism, there is one question that can stop us in our tracks more than almost any other:

"What happens when we're gone?"

Recently, we read hundreds of comments to this question from parents raising children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. The responses were heartbreaking in their honesty.

Some fortunate parents said their other children have already promised to care for their sibling someday.

Some hope government services will be there when the time comes.

Others are counting on supported living programs, residential services, or community supports.

Many admitted they have no plan at all.

And far too many confessed that they lose sleep, cry at night, or live with constant anxiety over the future.

One parent wrote, "I must live forever."

Another said, "Jesus is coming back before I die. That's the only option."

Beneath that, was a very real fear.

For many families, this isn't simply about housing. It's about wondering who will understand their child. Who will recognize the difference between a behavior and a need? Who will know their routines, preferences, fears, medical history, communication style, and the thousands of little things that make them feel safe?

Who will advocate for them?

Who will love them enough to fight for them?

These concerns become even greater for individuals with higher support needs, limited communication abilities, or significant behavioral challenges. Many parents don't want siblings to have to take on a responsibility they never chose. Others fear their loved one will end up isolated, underserved, or dependent on systems that are already overwhelmed.

The reality is that autism doesn't end when school ends.

For many families, the greatest challenge lies decades later.

That is why ASCEND exists.

Every day, we work to teach life skills, communication, independence, social skills, vocational skills, and community engagement. We help children, teens, and adults build the tools they need for the future while supporting families who often feel like they are carrying an impossible burden alone.

But the need is growing faster than our capacity to serve.

Families are waiting for services. Parents are searching for answers. Adults with autism need meaningful opportunities, safe environments, and people who believe in their potential. We dream of expanding our programs, creating more opportunities, and developing long-term solutions that give families hope about the future.

The truth is that none of this happens without community support.

If ASCEND's mission resonates with you, we invite you to become part of the solution with us.

Your donation helps provide life-changing educational services, adult programming, residential and community integration opportunities, transportation, staff training, and future program expansion. Most importantly, it helps families know they are not facing this journey alone.

For many parents, the question is not simply, "What happens when I'm gone?"

It's "Will there be people and programs in place who will continue to care?"

Together, we can help create that answer.

Together, we can build a future where individuals with autism are not merely cared for—they are known, valued, included, and given opportunities to thrive throughout their lives.

If you would like to support ASCEND's mission, please consider making a donation, becoming a monthly supporter, sponsoring a program, or sharing our mission with others. Every gift, regardless of size, helps create a stronger future for the individuals and families we serve.

Because no parent should have to face this fear alone.

Donate Your generosity is making a difference!

As usual... the Prom last night was another EPIC SUCCESS! Thank you to the many folks with beautiful servant hearts who put in so much time and effort to make this such a great night for all!!! ASCEND'S staff are the best of the best and give so much of their hearts to better the lives of our students, adult members, and their families. We (Angie and Keith) can't adequately express our love and appreciation for you all. Pictures to be posted soon!

Mark your calendars! Open to all individuals with special needs 14+ with chaperone/families. We have room for 180 this year!!! Also we're looking for any sponsors who may want to help financially with door prizes, scholarships, decorations, etc.