Life’s what you make it to be. Get dealt a challenge, turn into a positive and there’s no telling how many others you can inspire.
Which makes parents whose children are developmentally disabled all the more impressive.
Take Jeremy Rouch. Because one of his daughters is autistic, the Ozarks man shifted gears in life and two years ago became president of CHANCES of Stone County.
It is a non-profit that helps those with developmental disabilities experience success, and creates fun for kids and adults who suffer from ASD (autism spectrum disorder), epilepsy, brain injury and Down’s Syndrome.
Even better, your support of the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper will assist CHANCES of Stone County again this year. Rouch and the CHANCES family are appreciative.
“Each family has their challenges, developmental disabilities or not,” Rouch said. “I know there are families who have children who are not as high-functioning. Their difficulty is even more pronounced. They may be non-verbal or immobile. They have more difficulties than we do. The stories that come out of CHANCES really pull at your heart.”
Here’s how to help:
SUPPORTING THE PCCC = SUPPORTING CHARITIES
- HELP CHANCES OF STONE COUNTY: To help the non-profit directly, call 417-569-0387
- BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS: Businesses can support the PCCC through various sponsorships, such as the daily newsletter, website or through several events such as a dozen Pro-Ams. Additionally, Restaurants, clothing stores and entertainment stops and such can donate a gift card with at least a $25 value in the sweepstakes drawings.
- FOR GOLF FANS, WIN PRIZE: The purchase of a $25 TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes ticket can win one of 500 gift cards as well as grand prizes of $10,000 and a 2015 Ford Mustang. It’s also good for a four-day tournament pass. Contact the local charity of your choice, simply because they receive revenue directly from those TLC Property Charity Sweepstakes tickets marked with their names.
- WHEN, WHERE: The PCCC is from Aug. 7 to Aug. 17, with the pros playing on Aug. 13-16 at Highland Springs Country Club.
- CONTACT: Call the Price Cutter Charity Championship staff at 417-887-3400.
About Chances of Stone County
Rouch’s passion for Chances of Stone County is understandable. His daughter, Noah, is autistic, and her needs motivated Rouch to turn attention away from his initial college major.
“I went to (Missouri State University) for years pursuing a degree in physical therapy, and I loved it,” Rouch said. “But I said, ‘I’m concentrating in motor skills from the waist down and I cannot help my daughter.’ I decided to make a change – and I’ve never been happier.”
Talk about a perfect fit.
CHANCES of Stone County formed in 2009 as a not-for-profit 501 (3) c by visionaries Pete and Cathy Peterson and a group of supportive parents. It’s an acronym for Community Helping Able Neighborhood Citizens Experience Success.
Many members participate in Special Olympics, Sporting Chance, Champion Athletes and receive trips to Camp Barnabas – those are also among PCCC charities — while others have found employment training through the Barnabas Preparatory Program.
Autism is a focus of Jeremy and his bride, Jamie, and Noah’s sister Cale and brother Shane.
The family goes the extra step, too. You see, Rouch also owns the Lakeview Management Group, LLC; which is part of a jobs program for Stone and Taney counties residents with developmental disabilities, who clean and maintain properties.
“With the rate of autism growing exponentially now, this is going to be the future workforce,” Rouch said, pointing out that the rate of autism is now 1 in 50. “People are going to have to interact with the developmentally disabled. People are going to have to learn both sides.”
Support of the PCCC has helped CHANCES meet its budget as well as send kids Camp Barnabas. In other words, the tournament’s $25 ticket goes a long way.
For Rouch and CHANCES’ staff and board, the next effort is gaining voter approval of SB40 in 2016.
If approved, it would allow for state funding to reach Stone County non-profits that specialize in developmental disabilities. It also would put Stone County on par with many neighboring counties.
“The activities we do, it brings the community together and allows families to be together,” Rouch said. “There’s a lot of information on a Google search but, unless you specifically can relate well, you’re likely drowning in a world of information. CHANCES brings those people together.”