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EBT 22:  In this episode I talk with Cynthia Rodriguez, amazing mom, grandma, and special needs advocate who loves to reach out and help others.  If you have a child with a disability and happen to  cross Cynthia’s path somewhere out in the world,  more than likely she will strike up a conversation to check in with you to see how things are going.  She’ll offer suggestions and resources and may even accompany you to the right agency to get you the help you may need.   That’s just who she is.

Yet, 24 years ago when her son Victor was born with Down syndrome, Cynthia didn’t even want to hold him for the first few days.   Life took an abrupt turn at that point and it took Cynthia a little while to accept all the changes.  From initial reluctancy to totally embracing her new journey, Cynthia is a source of love and laughter, drawing others in with her joy and making a positive difference for so many.

In addition, Cynthia does Court monitoring visits for people who have guardianships to make sure they are being treated properly and have everything they need.

GHFEDS
http://ghfeds.org/

HCS – Home and Community Based Services
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/home-community-based-services-hcs

Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/health-insurance-premium-payment-hipp-program

Side by Side Parent Support Team: League City
https://www.facebook.com/groups/155613631266509

STAP – Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP)
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/deaf-hard-hearing/stap-services

Swallowing and Speech Services
https://www.swallowingandspeechservices.com/

Texas Medicaid Waivers
https://texasmedicaidwaivers.com/

Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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In this episode I talk with Angela Bishop, owner of Brewed Blessings, a community coffee shop where special needs adults can gain meaningful employment and education in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.  Angela sees everybody as an individual.  Since God loves us all she believes we should love each other for who we are no matter what our differences are.

Five years ago, Angela had a dream of opening a coffee shop that employs individuals with special needs.   She knows God definitely called her to this.  No matter how many times she tried to ignore it, the dreams kept coming back.

It wasn’t until she had the same dream multiple times that Angela decided it was time to act on it.   With encouragement and support from her husband Jim, Angela moved forward, filing the necessary paperwork for a non profit business.   God is working out all the details and sending the right people to help Angela make Brewed Blessings a reality.

Angela knows that anyone who works at, volunteers at, or visits Brewed Blessings will walk out blessed and walk away knowing they are making a difference in someone’s life.

Brewed Blessings
https://www.brewedblessings.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070764337143
IG: https://www.instagram.com/brewedblessings/

Connect with Angela Bishop
Email: angela@brewedblessings.com

Dr. Grilli ~ Pediatric and Family Dentistry
https://www.dcadentist.com/

Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Sandra Weber, special needs preschool teacher and mother of 8.  Though life has come at her full force, Sandra’s outlook in the midst of numerous difficult circumstances is truly remarkable.  She faces challenges with a positive perspective and staunch determination; enduring overwhelming hardship.  She is most definitely a pillar of strength for her family and an inspiration to others.

Sandra discusses the unique situations her family has faced, including the birth of triplets born at 32 weeks; 2 of whom have Down syndrome, while a 7 year old sibling was battling brain cancer and their 20 month old sibling passed away from an accidental drowning.

If you haven’t heard the first half of Sandra’s interview,  be sure to listen to it in its entirety.  You won’t want to miss any of this incredible conversation.

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Special Olympics:
https://www.specialolympics.org/

Teslong Digital Otoscope:
https://www.amazon.com/Otoscope-Teslong-Microscope-Inspection-Adjustable/dp/B07PHLG4C2/ref=sr_1_3?crid=273P8VKK659J&keywords=teslong+digital+otoscope+with+ear+wax+remover&qid=1644004963&sprefix=teslong+digit%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-3

Connect with Sandra:
sandraw1121@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/sandradw

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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In this episode I talk with Sandra Weber, special needs preschool teacher and mother with 8 children of her own.  Though life has come at her full force, Sandra’s outlook in the midst of numerous difficult circumstances is truly remarkable.  She faces challenges with a positive perspective and staunch determination; enduring overwhelming hardship.  She is most definitely a pillar of strength for her family and an inspiration to others.

Sandra discusses the unique situations her family has faced, including the birth of triplets born at 32 weeks; 2 of whom have Down syndrome, while a 7 year old sibling was battling brain cancer.   This is part 1 of a 2 part episode.

Tune in next week for the second half of the story.

Ronald McDonald House:
https://www.rmhc.org/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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In this episode I talk with Kileen McDonald as she shares her struggles with infertility, her subsequent adoption of a beautiful baby boy with Down syndrome and her greatest joy in being a mom to her now 13 year old son, Ches.  Kileen also discusses the death of her spouse, Pam and talks about lovingly helping Ches process everything during those difficult days.

Kileen believes in educating yourself about your child’s diagnosis but encourages parents to make sure to get your education from the right sources.   NDSS – National Down Syndrome Society and NDSC – National Down Syndrome Congress are two great places to begin if you have a child with Down syndrome.

Connect with NDSS – National Down Syndrome Society
https://www.ndss.org/

Connect with NDSC – National Down Syndrome Congress
https://www.ndsccenter.org/

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/