***Edited on Rachel's 2 YEAR Anniversary at Matthias!

The fundraising continues for Rachel's future housing option at the new 83 Matthias Campus. Someday Rach will have the opportunity to live on her own with support. She'll live with her friends & continue to become more & more independent.

This gives us SO MUCH peace knowing we will not be able to take for her forever. We are CONFIDENT that she will be in AMAZING hands & we look forward to walking her through the next transition of adulthood when the timing is right for her. 

THANK YOU for considering donating to Rachel's future of THRIVING with Matthias.

Original Fundraising Story:

“What can we do to help?”

"What happens when Rachel ages out of the public schools?”

Those are 2 questions asked frequently to us that we often do not know how to answer.  This journey with a special needs child has been more difficult than we ever could have imagined & a more rewarding experience than we can really describe. & NOW we finally have an answer to those 2 questions.

YOU can help by donating to Matthias Academy through Rachel’s fundraising page!!

If you know Rachel &/or our family & have been following our ‘special needs’ journey, you know that it’s been one of many ups & downs. Itis exhausting & overwhelming often. However, we tend to focus on the positives! So here we are; SO EXCITED to share the MOST positive news we’ve had in a long time.  We are fundraising with Matthias Academy to give Rach the best chance at a thriving future.

Rachel is one determined girl.
She knows what she wants, what she likes, what she’s good at & has the ability to learn & grow & have a purpose. She will be able to continue to become more & more independent while making friends & being part of a community. It’s no secret that Rachel needs a lot of extra help & guidance & we are thrilled that she will receive exactly what she needs at Matthias. I can already see her working on site at the hair salon!!

What is Matthias Academy?

Matthias Academy is a nonprofit adult day program that recently opened it’s doors this fall in Benet Lake, WI. Matthias Academy serves adults with mild to severe disabilities, specialized medical needs, behaviors and mild to severe autism from Illinois and Wisconsin. Classes will be offered in several areas of study, such as Health and Wellness, Culinary Arts, Meteorology, Fashion and Design, Marketing, Communication and Digital Media, Horticulture, Accounting and Business Management, all tailored to individual learning levels. Adults have the opportunity to work within the retail stores as well as work in behind the scenes preparatory roles. The board of directors and its leadership are planning to open a Thrift Store, Bakery, Gift and Garden Center, Bookstore and Bike Shop. In addition, times of recreation and leisure are guided, and exercise and mobility are required multiple times daily to maintain health and wellness. Independence is strongly encouraged, and parent and student guided goals are carried out throughout daily operations. The Matthias Academy is approved by the IRS as a 501c3 tax deductible charity. #82-5324304

Rachel’s fundraising goal is $6000 to secure her place on the wait list. The possibility of Rachel attending here is a game changer for our entire family & our futures.  Please consider making a donation to help Rachel & other special adults like her to thrive in this life. We are so grateful for the staff & board of directors at Matthias for providing a place like this & we are so excited to be part of this community.

Scottie & Cindy Emmerling