State Employee Charitable Campaign agency helps son of UTSA employee
UTSA staff member Irene Maldonado and son Jojo
UTSA staff member Irene Maldonado and son Jojo
Share this Story(Oct. 22, 2012) -- When two-year-old Jojo didn't meet his speech development milestones, his mother Irene Maldonado grew concerned. After months of assessments, her son was diagnosed with autism.
"I didn't know enough about autism to understand his challenges and wasn't sure where to get help" said Maldonado, a UTSA State Employee Charitable Campaign tri-chair and UTSA HUB program manager. "Fortunately, his autism specialist did."
The family was referred to Any Baby Can, a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve families with children facing serious health or developmental challenges. Services are provided free of charge -- regardless of income -- to families of children from birth through 12 years who suffer from a chronic illness, disability or developmental delay. Any Baby Can is one of many charities that participate in the State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC).
Irene and her husband attended a parent education training that helped them understand autism and gave them tools to help their son develop better communication skills. The nonprofit also provides programs such as Parents Night Out and a sibling support group for children who have a brother or sister with special needs.
"Any Baby Can has been a lifesaver for us," said Maldonado. "We know more and have connected with other families who have children with autism. It's been helpful on so many levels. I'm thankful that the SECC supports these types of nonprofits."
>> Read more testimonials, learn about the Silent Auction and Book Sale --and donate now to the UTSA State Employee Charitable Campaign.
Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.
