| A message from our founder Tina Cochran |
The Birth of a Dream...
Alpacas for Autism is the result of a journey to change my life.
The journey began with the purchase of 3 alpacas. From the first, I
realized these animals would be a part of my life forever. Their gentle
nature, easy care and unique personalities became a part of who I am.
I worked hard at my job in the city, created all I could from the
wonderful alpaca yarn and tried to find a way to handle the stress.
Soon not only had our herd grown but so had my waistline. My health
and weight held me back from realizing just what God was calling me to
do and why Alpacas had come into my life.
In November 2008 I made one small decision to finally DO SOMETHING,
about my weight. Within 10 months I had lost over 100lbs (see more
of my story here: www.MasterYourWeight.com)
As my health improved, my life changed. I was able to work from home
full time, started doing craft shows to share the world of alpacas and
spent more time with my son, Anthony (who has high functioning
autism). Even though I was happy, I still didn't feel like I was living
God's plan and really giving back. I wanted to make a difference.
In September 2010, I decided to form an Autism Speaks walk team, and
named it "Alpacas for Autism". Over the next year, I met the wonderful
people of Camp Encourage (www.CampEncourage.org), and began
hosting events to help raise money to support their awesome program.
Over and over, I was asked by families of individuals with autism if we
were going to start connecting our alpacas with people with autism. I
met parents who told me stories of their children's unique talent to
create but no outlet to use that talent.
I became obsessed with finding a way to use my "alpaca world" to help
these families and make a difference while giving back.
I am now clear that God has called me to form an organization that
brings the unique world of fiber arts and alpacas to the amazing people
who live on the autism spectrum.
Alpacas for Autism incorporated in September 2011. I am incredibly
blessed by the people who are serving on our board of directors, our
volunteers and supporters.
Together we are committed to providing skill training and support with
integrity and compassion to support families living with autism.
Thank you for joining me on this journey!
Alpacas for Autism is the result of a journey to change my life.
The journey began with the purchase of 3 alpacas. From the first, I
realized these animals would be a part of my life forever. Their gentle
nature, easy care and unique personalities became a part of who I am.
I worked hard at my job in the city, created all I could from the
wonderful alpaca yarn and tried to find a way to handle the stress.
Soon not only had our herd grown but so had my waistline. My health
and weight held me back from realizing just what God was calling me to
do and why Alpacas had come into my life.
In November 2008 I made one small decision to finally DO SOMETHING,
about my weight. Within 10 months I had lost over 100lbs (see more
of my story here: www.MasterYourWeight.com)
As my health improved, my life changed. I was able to work from home
full time, started doing craft shows to share the world of alpacas and
spent more time with my son, Anthony (who has high functioning
autism). Even though I was happy, I still didn't feel like I was living
God's plan and really giving back. I wanted to make a difference.
In September 2010, I decided to form an Autism Speaks walk team, and
named it "Alpacas for Autism". Over the next year, I met the wonderful
people of Camp Encourage (www.CampEncourage.org), and began
hosting events to help raise money to support their awesome program.
Over and over, I was asked by families of individuals with autism if we
were going to start connecting our alpacas with people with autism. I
met parents who told me stories of their children's unique talent to
create but no outlet to use that talent.
I became obsessed with finding a way to use my "alpaca world" to help
these families and make a difference while giving back.
I am now clear that God has called me to form an organization that
brings the unique world of fiber arts and alpacas to the amazing people
who live on the autism spectrum.
Alpacas for Autism incorporated in September 2011. I am incredibly
blessed by the people who are serving on our board of directors, our
volunteers and supporters.
Together we are committed to providing skill training and support with
integrity and compassion to support families living with autism.
Thank you for joining me on this journey!
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