by Jennifer Chase,
Executive Director of Development and Advancement, Villa Marie School for Exceptional Children
Villa Marie is a boarding and day school for children ages 6-18 who require special education services. Many of our students are on the autism spectrum and struggle not only with learning challenges, but also with behaviors as well as social and emotional issues.
I find it truly remarkable that our families have such great trust in bringing us their children to form and educate. Parents and the school partner together to shape the bright future of their children. A parent leaves his or her child in the care of the Marian Sisters, often knowing in their heart that this might be the child’s last chance to be successful at school. It must be painful and emotionally difficult.
As a mother I am naturally drawn to the children we serve at Villa Marie. I joke that I have 22 kids, two of my own and the 20 at Villa Marie. I see each child’s progress amidst their vivid struggles. I pray for them and celebrate with them. I want to see each child happy, smiling and living the best life God has for them.
As the development director I seek God’s help to give people the opportunity to bless these amazing children who are often marginalized by the world but have so much to offer. They just need the chance to shine.
As I think of our Savior’s birth in Bethlehem, I am in awe and my heart swells at the thought of the love between Mary and Jesus. I also consider the heart-wrenching challenges Mary faced as His mother. I think of the mothers of the children with special needs who need our help, but don’t know about us. They could be feeling hopeless, and maybe don’t even know Jesus yet. How badly I want to reach them.
I think of our Villa Marie mothers, their unspeakable love for their child, and the many struggles they have shared with me. As much as we love our children, God’s love for us is so much greater.
Villa Marie, or “Mary’s House,” is a beacon of hope for so many families because of God’s love shining through our donors’ generous hearts. Overwhelmed by gratitude, Villa Marie mothers Lisa, Katey, and Christene share their stories with you so that you can understand how you are helping them realize their dreams for their child.
“The challenges I have faced being a parent of a uniquely special child have been balancing work with home life, learning my child’s specific needs, and hearing people say, ‘Well she seems like a normal child,’ or ‘It’s your fault she acts the way she does.’
“Even though it has been a rough start the past few months and difficult with the adjustments to her being an hour away from home for both myself and her, she has shown so much more self-esteem and confidence.
“Jazzmyn being at Villa Marie means she is treated fairly. She gets to shine bright and grow in all aspects of education, independence and self-love. It has given me as a parent actual hope for her future.”
~Lisa
“Lillia was frequently teased by other children and teachers held several wrong assumptions about her and our family. You see, she has danced to her own tune her whole life. It was clear that regular Catholic and public schools were not for her. At age 9, I began homeschooling her and taking her to see a variety of counselors to discuss the struggles she was having. Finally at age 11 we got a diagnosis of high- functioning ASD.
“At age 12 we found Villa Marie online and worried that we would be turned away due to our inability to pay for the private, specialized school our daughter very much needed. We were welcomed and because of your generosity she has had six years of great experiences at Villa Marie. She’s expanded her skills in writing and sewing and greatly improved her talents in art and cooking. She’s become very independent and puts forth the effort to take better care of herself.
“We are grateful for the kindness and patience of the Sisters, teachers and staff and we are gladly indebted to them for a lifetime. Villa Marie has been a great blessing in our lives.”
~Katey
“The behaviors we were experiencing in our home were extremely destructive and calculating for a 3-year-old child, often putting his baby brother in danger. Finally a social worker visiting our home saw the effects of David’s actions first-hand and we got the help we needed and eventually years later a diagnosis for both David and Thomas.
“My children did not do well in the public school setting, they were misunderstood, physically restrained and their anxiety grew. I became frustrated in a system where I felt stuck where my children were very unhappy and had lost their desire to do anything. During the IEP meetings I was ignored and the ‘team’ had their own agenda.
“This past year you have provided the way for my kids. The smiles on their faces tell it all. They have real friends. They have the desire to learn and grow and like being at school. They love their teachers. Their social skills, listening and following instructions are improving. The boys still can be challenging at times, but we have far more good days than bad. They have both grown greatly in their faith as well this past year. The teaching team at Villa Marie is helping me understand exactly how my children are developing and they listen to my concerns and input. I am valued as the parent.
“What seemed impossible God has answered, ‘All is possible, more than you could imagine, Christene.’ “Your support has changed the path of Thomas and David’s lives. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity for my children.”
~Christene
On Friday, Jan. 28, you have the opportunity to meet the students and their families at the annual dance fundraiser, “Shine Like His Stars,” featuring the shining stars of Villa Marie, the band AMFM, emcee Mike Zeleny and dinner from Valentino’s Restaurant.
The dance will be held at the Lancaster Event Center from 6 to 10:30 p.m. More information about the dance, online silent auction and raffle can be found at www.villamarieschool.com.
The dance provides necessary operational funding. Villa Marie is not funded by any one parish and seeks to extend its mission through the generosity of your donations. Donations can be made online at www.villamarieschool.com or checks sent to Villa Marie School, Attn: Jenny Chase, 7205 N, 112th St., Waverly, NE 68462.
Villa Marie was established in 1964 by the late Msgr. James Dawson. The Marian Sisters have shepherded the school since its inception. It is truly a place of hope for the families and the children it serves.
