There are several Valley programs that support and nurture the lives of children in Phoenix. Southwest Human Development falls into this group having offered advocacy and educational support since 1981. At the time, Ginger Ward, the founder and CEO of Southwest Human Development, decided to fill a void in early childhood education that was being seriously overlooked. Now, as a leader for the 0-3 population and beyond, Southwest Human Development continues to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. Destiny, a 10-year-old girl, has a whole world of opportunity because of the help of Southwest Human Development's Kinship Care and Adoption Program and the love and support of her family.
Brenda Hendrickson is Destiny's aunt and like many caregivers, she has struggled to help Destiny with the support she requires. Destiny was born with a visual impairment and has been diagnosed with autism. Her aunt explains, “Caring for Destiny was unexpected, but the transition was eased through the Kinship Care and Adoptions program. Our family is so grateful for the services we have received to make sure Destiny is happy and progressing in her therapies."
10-year-old Destiny enjoys music and Spongebob. She also is known to be quite the comedian by friends and family who relish her fun spirit. Destiny and her family work on increasing her independence in daily living skills. Destiny is learning Braille and has successfully begun to express herself by communicating her needs. At the moment, her need for ice cream is of the utmost importance. As for mobility, Destiny is getting around aided by a cane.
Destiny's story is just one of many that Southwest Human Development has taken part in. Destiny has been chosen as an ambassador for this year's annual Walk with Me for Southwest Human Development Easter Seals. She and many other local families will take part in this event to raise money for programs like the one that has helped Destiny and her family. For more information on Southwest Human Development please visit their website or call 602-266-5976.
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