Courage to Succeed

A WITNESS BY LAURA-JANE CORKRAN

Laura-Jane with Zachary (24) and Donna (27).

After high school and aging out of county-based services, my son, Zachary floundered at home. Services and acceptance for children on the Autism Spectrum have improved dramatically during Zachary’s short lifetime, but it all seems to disappear at high school graduation. Over time, his hard-won social skills started to fade and he became more and more isolated from the world he wanted a place in. Courage to Succeed changed all of that.

This program is an offshoot of Charterhouse School and designed to give young adults with neurological difficulties, including Austism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the support and services that make college possible. Since enrolling in the program, with the dual element of college classes at Reynolds Community College, Zachary has flourished. His confidence has improved dramatically. He’s doing well in all of his classes and advocating for himself to get what he wants from his future. He reminds us now about his monthly “socials” and has a goal to work on building an actual friendship. He’s not 100% sure he’s on board for “the friend thing,” but he has the confidence to try. He’s out in the community doing volunteer work at Meals on Wheels and Ronald McDonald House. He’s tired and happy and just a little bit stressed, like every other college student. The most important part, is that Zachary’s optimistic about his future. We are, too.

- Laura-Jane Corkran shares her witness knowing that there are a number of families at Christ Church affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. Courage to Succeed at UMFS’s Charterhouse School will be hosting a free interest luncheon on February 18 from 11:00 – 1:00 PM. The CEO of Commonwealth Autism, John Toscano will be presenting “Asperger’s Syndrome: Optimism and Untapped Potential.” All are welcome!

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Youth Choir on a Mission

Seeking to be the heart and hands of Jesus, our Youth Choir just returned from a mission trip in partnership with South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church (SMPC) in Charlotte, North Carolina. If this church sounds familiar to you it might be because former CCE'er Rebecca Guzman is now the Director of Spiritual Formation at SMPC

The twelve young women of the youth choir served at the Salvation Army, enjoyed fellowship with the SMPC youth and families, and sang in Sunday worship at SMPC.

The youth choir shared their musical gifts with joy and love, delighting a congregation that erupted in applause over and over again. The team was invited back, just at they were after the previous two trips to a parish in Herndon, VA.

Says Music Minister Keith Tan: "I believe we might have started something…."
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Tearing Down Walls

On a typical Sunday afternoon, our Garage youth building is bustling with activity as middle and high school students gather for fellowship and spiritual formation. The afternoon of January 22 was certainly lively with chatter, laughter, and fun; but typical it was not.

That particular Sunday, our youth were joined by 25 teens from the West End Islamic Center (WEIC). Located only 1 mile apart, our two faith communities are committed to supporting each other as neighbors. So joining together for an afternoon of Challenge Discovery was a perfect way to build our mutual relationships. A program of the University of Richmond, the mission of Challenge Discovery is to engage young people in powerful, fun experience-based learning as a catalyst for building relationships, improving self-esteem and supporting their peers.

“Members from both groups enjoyed icebreakers, challenging tasks, and team-building activities,” said Adam Williams, Minister to Students. “Our hope is that events like this will help create space for tearing down walls that easily divide us so we can learn to respect, trust, and love another.”

Our neighbors will be joining us again on February 12 to pack meals for international relief organization, Stop Hunger Now. The registration for that event filled up in record time due to the overwhelming response from you all and from our WEIC friends.

As yet another act of radical hospitality, the West End Islamic Center will be having an OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. They have invited us all to come meet them at their place of worship (5000 Shady Grove Road) and learn about Islam and Muslims. The event will also be open to the general public.

Please stay tuned for more information about our budding relationship with WEIC as we live into our faith together.