Shadi Tahrawi
The Michael & Son Cares Program is currently seeking 14 families in D.C., M.D. and V.A. area who are in need of essential home repairs. With a focus on helping families of children with disabilities, the Michael & Son Cares Program is beginning its 2014 community initiative by launching a call to families in need and asking they send their stories and request for assistance to helpinghands@michaelandson.com
Michael & Son Services established their non- profit “Cares” charitable program in October of 2010 which assists community members during their time of need. To date the project has helped dozens of local families and in the process won them the Washington Business Journal’s regional Jefferson Award recognizing philanthropic efforts. In addition to their community based program, Michael & Son actively sponsors Dreams for Kids, Salt Water Soldiers and the Police Unity Tour chapter IV.
My name is Teressa Bowman and I am the single mom of an autistic boy (Terrence Carter) who is 5 years old and the joy of my life. Terrence was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and he is also the big brother of (Aniya Carter) his 2 year old little sister and best friend. After I learned about Terrence’s diagnosis I have been doing whatever I can to provide him with the best opportunities possible which for me meant relocation to a new state. Terrence received limited benefits that did not cover the cost of both therapeutic and speech services which were crucial to his development. So I did what any mom would do I moved to a state that funded these services. It has been difficult and as a single mom with limited income we were challenged by the move. Today Terrence is talking and doing much better as a result of this decision. I used the last of our resources and purchased our first home in the state of Virginia this month . A backyard for Terrence and his younger sister and a separate bedroom for him with space to explore (in his own unique way) has always been my dream. However, I used all of our resources to purchase a home in our new state and in doing so I have very little money to contribute to the overwhelming list of repairs listed on the inspection report. We have not been able to make any repairs to our newly purchased home.