"While you are riding the wave you just put your best self out there and enjoy it. "
-Frieda Pinto
I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free
human being with an independent will.
Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre
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2023 California Assembly District 36th
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WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Wyatt & Wesly Reitsma
My autistic twins are now 14 years old, and both are big, tall boys. They were doing really well with routine, school, and structure until the pandemic hit. Then, their world changed along with their access to community involvement. Best Step Forward has been a Godsend! They put me at ease with their caring, understanding staff and structured activities. I was never made to feel as if I had "problem" kids even after the twins had meltdowns during sports activities. This is the only organization that has reached out for activities in the community that include the whole family. They make activities and events enjoyable for the twins and encourage me to continue to keep my kids engaged in community activities rather than hiding in our autism bubble. We have all grown so much with the support of our Best Step Forward family.
Hector Dicochea
My son Hector first started with BSF for dance in the fall of 2022. It was frustrating as he struggles with gross and fine motor and he would barely even move. He'd watch other kids and occasionally sway or give a little jump. The coaches said to just give it time, that he will soon get it. The time never really came. We then signed up for baseball in which he did a little better but not that great. Then came soccer and again he'd try to run here and there when his therapist would pull him, but not much activity. We signed him up again this year for dance in the fall of 2023 and OMG, the difference!!!! He would laugh with the familiar songs from the previous year, and the dance moves emerged! He would actually execute many moves and I could tell which were his favorite songs as he would try harder to dance when those were played. Baseball season has just begun so I am excited to observe his improvements there and next season for soccer. I appreciate the coaches as they always praise, encourage, not only the kids, but the parents as well.
Ernesto Pasos
Hi, this is my testimonial about BSF. My family is so grateful for having met Jackie and the little world she has created for special kids in Imperial Valley.
Before knowing about BSF, it was very complicated to enroll my son in other programs because, in some cases, the personnel was not prepared for special kids, and in others, he was not even accepted with his special condition. Fortunately, everything changed when we found BSF. Now my son is full of experiences on every season. He wears his uniform very proudly to play baseball in the spring, soccer in the summer, and he is looking forward to another gala dinner to dance in the fall. My husband and I are really impressed with how much BSF has helped him on his development in sports and socially. There are not enough words to thank Jackie and her team.