Meet Susan Wood, director of The Hope Center for Autism based in Fort Worth. Founded in 2007 by Wood and her husband, Glenn, the organization serves masses of children and their families across Tarrant County who are seeking therapy and a safe enviornment.
We wanted to know more about Wood and she was kind enough to answer a few questions about herself, the center and the families it serves.
Dawn Tongish: Please begin by telling us about The Hope Center for Autism.
Susan Wood: It was founded in 2007 by my husband Glenn and me, along with a group of concerned parents who saw a need for a different type of center to serve families affected by autism. The Hope Center for Autism was born from the need for a supportive environment and more ABA Therapy for families in the Fort Worth area. Parents formed together to agree on what was needed and what would be beneficial during their journey.
DT: What are your duties at The Hope Center for Autism?
SW: I am the executive director. My duties included overseeing the day-to-day operations as well as all outreach events and sharing Hope with the community.
DT: How did you become involved with The Hope Center for Autism, and why are you so passionate about the work being done at the organization?
SW: The Hope Center for Autism is a labor of love. We founded the center because we saw a need for something that was not being offered in this area for these children.
I am very blessed — many people never know what they are here for, but I know this is why I was born. This is what I am supposed to do — take care of the children.
DT: Why do you work in the non-profit sector?
SW: Because I am a giver and I want to serve this population and give them an affordable, high quality place for ABA therapy.
DT: It can be difficult for any non-profit to pay the bills. How do you stay afloat?
SW: We talk to anyone and everyone who will listen and we hold fundraisers. People who believe in our work hold events for us. We work tirelessly for this cause.
DT: How can the people of Tarrant County and beyond help meet your needs for 2014? What are your biggest needs?
SW: We have a need for each client to have a tablet. We would love to have a library for our clients while they are being served by Hope Center. They would be child-driven, so each one would be set up to help that one child. Our main focus this year is to put our scholarships back in place. We gave out $32,000 in scholarships in 2012, but last year, we were unable to offer any scholarships due to rising costs.
DT: What is the most memorable moment in your experiences at The Hope Center for Autism?
SW: The first words from a non-verbal 8-year-old; potty training a 14 year old; a 6 year old's first time to say "momma." There are so many — I cannot list just one.
DT: What is the first thing you do when you walk into work each day?
SW: I go from room to room saying and getting my "hellos" from the children.
Learn more about the Hope Center for Autism here: www.hopecenter4autism.org
If you'd like to nominate a local resident for a BubbleLife community profile, contact Dawn Tongish at dtongish@yahoo.com or find her on Twitter at @DawnTongish.
