Tyler, Texas (KLTV) – A nonprofit conservation facility in East Texas expands to serve more families with children with autism.
Willie Downs on KLTV 7 shows how Elijah’s Retreat is expanding.
“At the retreats here, 60 to 80 more families can join us for the season, which is huge,” says Executive Director Cheryl Torres.
Jacksonville’s Elijahs Retreat broke ground on its fifth cabin, T House, this afternoon. The Retreat is his 50-acre ranch for families facing autism.
Torres said he reopened his calendar for reservations on Sunday and had 150 reservations within the first 30 minutes.
“At the end of the first day, we had all weekends booked for the entire season. We had 50 families on the waiting list, so we can accommodate those families, which is great.”
A fifth cabin will allow us to serve approximately 400 households annually. This is made possible by the many donations and volunteer efforts within the community. People like Rob and Susie Trimble.
“We fell in love with this place,” says Trimble. “We love the fact that they bring the whole family here.
Torres says it’s a peaceful place where families facing autism can be themselves and enjoy the outdoors.
“You don’t have to explain your child here. You don’t have to apologize for your child. You can just let it be your child.”
Torres says they always need volunteers. Visit their website for volunteer opportunities. As of now, there is no date yet for the grand opening of the new cabins.
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