In April Embracing Ministries had their first Little Treasures Holiday Program. This provided 35 primary school children with the opportunity to learn the Easter story, make new friends, and have fun in a supportive and loving Christian environment.

One family asked to share their experience of Little Treasures…

“School holidays for families with children with special needs are far from anything that defines ‘relaxing’ or ‘fun. The days become an endless round of stress and challenging behaviours as the children often become distraught due to the change in their daily routines and the lack of structure.

When I first heard of Little Treasures, I jumped at the chance of having our boundless bundle of energy and cheekiness, Sydney, enrolled. The fact that it was a program that was conceived by Andrea and her team gave me all the confidence that I needed that it was going to be the best thing for Sydney.

Sydney is a non-verbal boy with autism and with a high dependency on supports for even his most basic needs. He needs to be looked after one-on-one by a highly trained support worker. When I was introduced to Mary-Ann, she took the trouble to visit me and to learn all that she could on how to look after Sydney. As a family we were also invited to a “meet and greet” day before the program commenced, which was very helpful.

The program was a resounding success. It provided my son with a safe place to participate in a comprehensive and creative daily schedule. The facilities with their amazing outdoor areas and several indoor spaces created a wonderful environment for him to thrive in.

But the best part of it all for me as a parent of a child whose world can be socially very isolating was the chance for Sydney to be in an inclusive program where he could mingle and socialise and be accepted as just another happy, energetic kid.

As an exhausted mum, the time I received to get my chores done and to know my son was well taken care of was priceless.

What did Sydney himself think of Little Treasures? Well you just couldn’t wipe the smile off his face for the entire three days when he was there.

Thank you Little Treasures team for the gift of your program and may God continue to empower you as you empower those amongst us who need it more than others.”