In Cafe Azul Tx Autism, we love to connect with the community. We enjoy networking with other organizations and professionals that help educate and support the Special Needs community. Today we are recognizing the amazing work of Belinda Hernandez. She is the Founder of Raising Awesome Awareness.
1 What is the name of your organization?
Raising Awesome Awareness, Inc.
2 . What is the vision of your organization?
Our goal is to bring awareness to our community for special needs children and their families. Bringing the community together by having local events that bring in resources. Be able to give back to our local special needs children by providing events in a safe and inclusive environment.
3. What inspired you to start your organization? My son Sergio is my inspiration to do all that I do.
4. What are some obstacles or difficulties you have faced? I think the most difficult thing that I have encountered is getting our local families to come out and participate in our events and parent meetings. To reach out to those who haven't heard about us and our events.
5. What has been the most rewarding moment as a Community Leader? The most rewarding part of all that we do is seeing the JOY and LOVE that our events bring to our special needs community. Bringing families together is beautiful to see. Knowing they are not alone in this journey. That we are here to support each other and learn together.
6. What would you like to achieve with your organization in the near future? INCLUSION for all of our Special Friends of all ages. Have more activities to do here locally for our Adult Special Friends.
7. How do you balance work, home and community work? No doubt it's busy! But I feel when you do everything with passion and love it all works out. I have an amazing family that is always helping. I have an amazing job that is flexible with my schedule. I live in a small town and our community always amazes us with how they support our ideas and events.
8. Who is someone you admire and why? My biggest admiration has always been my Mother. She is my rock. She is beautiful inside and out, strong, giving, and just loves us all unconditionally. She is one of our biggest supporters in all our events. I love her always and forever!!
9. What would you say to other Special Needs Moms that feel overwhelmed? You are not alone! Reach out to your local support groups. Search for local activities to get your children involved. Don't shut them out from society. I rode this journey SOLO for many years and it was very sad and depressing. Stressful! I was lost and had to educate myself on AUTISM. By the time I made it to the Myer Center I had Sergio in all the therapies I could possibly get him in. Educate yourself! There's a lot to learn but YOU are your child's best advocate. Last but not least, LOVE your child unconditionally! Love does wonders and is very powerful!!
Raising Awareness Highlights and contact information:
Annette and I drive up to Liberty every year with Kevin and Hutsyn for the RAA Halloween Party. We marvel every time at the quality of the event. It's organized, tailored toward the autism community and just fun. What is super hard to achieve and RAA does it year after year is Belinda's ability to engage so many of citizens of Liberty to join in and help. That is epitome of raising autism awareness. Great teamwork within RAA and the citizens of Liberty Texas.