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Richard is 29 this year.
When we started this journey with him, we had no idea
where we were going or how we would get there. We are so
thankful that First Step School has been there from the
early days of in-home counseling to this day where Richard
is living in his own apartment, a dream come true for all
of us. Down Syndrome had a stigma attached to it in the
70s but in our Hot Springs Community there is a facility
in place that helped to erase the stigma and replace it
with a life well lived by a young man who doesn’t know the
meaning of the word.
We are also thankful that not only was First Step there
for us but it has been there and has changed lives in
countless families in our community through the years and
in many, many surrounding communities. There is
encouragement, support and cooperation through each phase
of growth for every family and client who receives
services through this facility. We have been recipients of
far more than we can ever repay. We continuously let
others know of the services available through this
marvelous place of hope. When we came to First Step it was
housed in a 20 by 40 foot building. My, how it and its
services have grown and advanced and the number of people
served through all these years is an awesome witness to
what people with vision can accomplish. We are indebted to
the Board, the Administration and the employees who have
given so unselfishly so that Richard could live and work
and grow old in his own community.
Richard will live beyond us and do that competently
because of what has happened is his life through what he
has been given by First Step, Inc. Thanks First Step from
hearts that overflow with gratitude and appreciation and
love. Thanks First Step for including our family in your
vision and plans and hopes. You have provided help and the
people through out Central Arkansas continue to come and
will continue to come for generations unknown.
Our love and continuous prayers on your behalf,
Dick and Wanda Holden |
