Meet the mom revolutionizing support for people with autism
- Replies 0
Millions of families across the US are navigating the challenges of autism, but some are turning obstacles into opportunities. Jackie Ceonzo, a mother with a passion for change, is leading a revolution in care for people with autism.
Could her efforts transform the future of autism support and community?
Jackie's story begins with her son Joey, whose early life was marked by seizures and a subsequent diagnosis of severe autism.
At a time when understanding and resources for autism were scarce, Jackie found herself navigating a lonely and challenging path.
The world was not equipped to embrace Joey, and Jackie was met with closed doors when seeking activities and programs for her son.
It was a stark reality that many families faced, and continue to face, as they struggle to find supportive environments for their loved ones with special needs.
But Jackie Ceonzo is not one to accept defeat.
Fueled by a mother's unyielding spirit, she took a bold step that would change not only her family's life but also the lives of countless others.
She created SNACK*, the Special Needs Activity Center for Kids and Adults, a beacon of hope and a testament to what one person's vision can achieve.
SNACK* started humbly as a two-hour weekly class for a handful of children.
It has since blossomed into a comprehensive seven-day-a-week program that serves over 200 members, including a significant number of adults – the “forgotten population’ that often ages out of special education programs without adequate support or housing options.
With activities ranging from cooking and art to music and swimming, SNACK* provides a nurturing environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive and lead independent, purposeful lives.
The impact of SNACK* is profound, not only for the members but also for their families.
Parents like Margot Shaw, whose son Andy has been a part of SNACK* since he was eight, have found a community where their children can form lasting friendships and enjoy a quality of life that might otherwise be out of reach.
The program's success is a testament to Jackie's vision and the dedication of staff members like Program Coordinator Rachel Butkiewicz, who see SNACK* as their second home.
Jackie's efforts have not gone unnoticed.
High-profile advocates like actor Colin Farrell, whose son has Angelman syndrome, have joined the fight for better services and housing for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Farrell's foundation shares the same goals as SNACK*, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change and greater support for the disabled community.
As Jackie's son Joey grows older, the question of what the future holds without his parents looms large. It's a concern shared by many in the autism community, and it underscores the importance of creating sustainable support systems.
Jackie's work with SNACK* is a step in that direction, providing not just activities but also overnight care, fostering independence, and ensuring continuity of care for adults with autism.
Jackie Ceonzo's journey is a powerful reminder of “the power of one”—the idea that a single person's actions can ignite change and provide hope for many.
She may consider herself “just a mother,” but to the community she has built and the lives she has touched, she is a trailblazer, an inspiration, and a testament to the difference one person can make.
For those looking to follow in Jackie's footsteps, the message is clear: never underestimate the impact of your efforts, no matter how small they may seem.
Whether it's volunteering, advocating for policy changes, or simply spreading awareness, every action contributes to a more inclusive and supportive society for individuals with autism and their families.
We at The GrayVine salute Jackie Ceonzo and all the trailblazing parents and advocates who work tirelessly to improve the lives of people with autism.
We’d love to hear your own stories or ideas on how we can all make a difference. Join the conversation in the comments below and help create a brighter future for everyone in our community!
Could her efforts transform the future of autism support and community?
Jackie's story begins with her son Joey, whose early life was marked by seizures and a subsequent diagnosis of severe autism.
At a time when understanding and resources for autism were scarce, Jackie found herself navigating a lonely and challenging path.
The world was not equipped to embrace Joey, and Jackie was met with closed doors when seeking activities and programs for her son.
It was a stark reality that many families faced, and continue to face, as they struggle to find supportive environments for their loved ones with special needs.
Jackie Ceonzo founded SNACK*, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping individuals with severe autism. Image source: SNACK & Friends/Facebook.
But Jackie Ceonzo is not one to accept defeat.
Fueled by a mother's unyielding spirit, she took a bold step that would change not only her family's life but also the lives of countless others.
She created SNACK*, the Special Needs Activity Center for Kids and Adults, a beacon of hope and a testament to what one person's vision can achieve.
SNACK* started humbly as a two-hour weekly class for a handful of children.
It has since blossomed into a comprehensive seven-day-a-week program that serves over 200 members, including a significant number of adults – the “forgotten population’ that often ages out of special education programs without adequate support or housing options.
With activities ranging from cooking and art to music and swimming, SNACK* provides a nurturing environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive and lead independent, purposeful lives.
The impact of SNACK* is profound, not only for the members but also for their families.
Parents like Margot Shaw, whose son Andy has been a part of SNACK* since he was eight, have found a community where their children can form lasting friendships and enjoy a quality of life that might otherwise be out of reach.
The program's success is a testament to Jackie's vision and the dedication of staff members like Program Coordinator Rachel Butkiewicz, who see SNACK* as their second home.
Jackie's efforts have not gone unnoticed.
High-profile advocates like actor Colin Farrell, whose son has Angelman syndrome, have joined the fight for better services and housing for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Farrell's foundation shares the same goals as SNACK*, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change and greater support for the disabled community.
As Jackie's son Joey grows older, the question of what the future holds without his parents looms large. It's a concern shared by many in the autism community, and it underscores the importance of creating sustainable support systems.
Jackie's work with SNACK* is a step in that direction, providing not just activities but also overnight care, fostering independence, and ensuring continuity of care for adults with autism.
Jackie Ceonzo's journey is a powerful reminder of “the power of one”—the idea that a single person's actions can ignite change and provide hope for many.
She may consider herself “just a mother,” but to the community she has built and the lives she has touched, she is a trailblazer, an inspiration, and a testament to the difference one person can make.
For those looking to follow in Jackie's footsteps, the message is clear: never underestimate the impact of your efforts, no matter how small they may seem.
Whether it's volunteering, advocating for policy changes, or simply spreading awareness, every action contributes to a more inclusive and supportive society for individuals with autism and their families.
We’d love to hear your own stories or ideas on how we can all make a difference. Join the conversation in the comments below and help create a brighter future for everyone in our community!
