Without adequate resources from middle school on, students with Down Syndrome are left behind.
When they get to middle school, most students with Down Syndrome are mainstreamed into classrooms with neuro-typical peers. Here, they are one of 25 students. Without the necessary resources to focus on these special people, teachers rightfully focus on the greater good of the classroom. This means that despite best intentions, they are unable to provide the time and personal attention required by a student with special needs.
This is where we come in.
At Our Mother of Perpetual Help Educational Program, known by our students as “Perpetual Help,” our ultimate goal is to provide each learner the education they need and deserve. By building their self confidence and self worth, we prepare them to participate in the community as kind, sociable and joyful adults.
Perpetual Help was founded by Pamela Mooney McGehee and her husband Dr. Frank McGehee M.D. in 2014 to serve learners like their daughter Brigid, who has Down Syndrome. Our program prepares children and young adults with Down Syndrome for the next step in their lives by unlocking capabilities their parents rarely dreamed would be realized.
Our unique educational program provides students with Down Syndrome individualized attention and a personalized approach to learning. This approach allows them to not only learn academics, but also how to communicate and work through their emotions thanks to a combination of certified teachers and therapists.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
COVID-19 has completely changed the educational landscape. Now, as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation completely dependent on the donations of our community, we need your help for these young men and women with Down Syndrome.
Your financial support enables our program to continue:
offering speech therapy twice a week with a certified speech therapist
operating out of our facility in downtown Fort Worth, the only facility of its kind serving children middle school-age and older with Down Syndrome
employing certified staff members
providing our students with real world educational opportunities that build skills necessary for independence
offering essential extracurriculars such as YogiSquad and Soccer Shots
By providing our students with the resources they need to grow, you are making a lasting impact on each of their lives.
“During my time at Perpetual Help I have witnessed young adults and adolescents change learned behaviors. Nonverbal students become fluent with new communication devices (equivalent to learning a completely new language). Students who have once ‘fallen through the cracks’ are thriving and happy.”
Natalie Lewis, M.Ed., Executive Director and lead Educator
“OMOPHEP offers the most loving care, from skilled teachers. It is the most joyful educational center I have had the pleasure to visit.”
Marilyn Carter Rankin MA, CCC, SLP - Speech Therapist
