HISTORY
Brief Summary
The history on how Booker Autism Foundation of Learning, Inc.®, better known as BAFOL®, became a synonymous name mentioned in and around the world, is rather interesting. But not too far-fetched from the traditional stories that you read/hear about all the time. You know what I mean...Where a mother or father decided to take matters into their own hands for the sake of their loved one. Because, being a parent with special needs kids, takes a great deal of prayer, strength, determination, and skills in order to find a solution to anything that comes your way. Please, take a moment and watch this video done by our founder https://youtu.be/ZtOFJSawhbc
Detailed History
Since 1997, Hon. Bishop. Dr. L. Jasmine L. Booker had worked in the field of childcare (with children from all walks of life and some with challenges or inabilities). She knew personally about the struggles of families (especially families of melanin descent), dealing with various issues that ranged from Sensory Disorders, lack of professional services, to no extra finances for special services. In looking at the families that were being offered minimal assistance, she noted that the agencies were not specifically addressing the individualized ART as Education or Wholistic lifestyle of learning; without having an open mind. She slowly started out investigating on how to get the word out to the community that she wanted help and to get help for others. In fact, in 2013, WDRB Fox 41 did a personal interview at her home regarding her eldest son (Jeremy) who is Bipolar 1 and is on the Spectrum of Autism. She wanted to do something in Kentucky to help others, too. Here is the WDRB Fox41 LINK to read more about what she said in her interview. She had felt like this coverage would spark interest in the community, for more nontraditional services, and individualized scholastic services. And she knew first hand how difficult it was to get these services (without being placed on a waiting list), can cause depression, anxiety, and frustration for the whole family unit.
With being fed up about doors being closed for her family, she took matters into her own hands and decided to open up a service focused on specializing in nontraditional ways of working with children on the Spectrum of Autism. At the time (not being an ASD Counselor/Coach/Speaker), she was working towards her goal of educating herself about Autism Spectrum Disorders, visual art, expression of dance for special needs children, and nontraditional diets for better health. Bishop Booker often relied on private schools, churches, and other agencies to assist her with raising her son and his siblings. However, after obtaining her own certifications in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) information, she prayed over having a physical structure where she could have community members to become advocates with her and continue her dream of assisting families like hers and not be judged based on severity of disability. This Autism Campus would cost her 100K that she would have to raise in order for her to bring the reality into existence.
Bishop Booker knew that she would have to "Pay it forward" herself, in order for the community to get engaged with the new "Kid on the block". Such as, parent support groups in KY/IN, book clubs, galas and community health fairs. You can visit this LINK to learn more. Please keep in mind that all of this is being done without an official office (conducted out of her home), hired staff, and finances to speed things up. But, rather, determination to make a difference. Now, initially, she did try and reach out to other Autism organizations in her home state in partnering with her (form a collaboration), by bridging the gap of ASD activities, information, etc. "Wholistically". But, she soon discovered that all of the organizations wanted a fee to have BAFOL® sponsored on their websites for public advertising (i.e., logo, website link, etc.). Most organizations would not work with BAFOL®, because they would say things like "Conflict of Interest" with their own branding. They would ask her questions like, “Why Are You Trying to Reinvent the Wheel?” Or make a suggestion to become a member of their board that is already underway in the community. She was even told to "Get a building first and then reach back out to us." She even stumbled across those of whom would tell her to "Try your own culture of folks" for the proper support.
The disappointment of trying to secure an outside Autism organization did not stop Bishop Booker. Yes. The first few years were slow, and she worked with a small number of families needing ASD support services (within her own town). As she was tirelessly putting her DREAM together, it became evident to Bishop Booker that no one seemed to be focusing their attention on FREE nontraditional WHolistic ARTS Based School or programs with public access for young children. She discovered that most ASD agencies would NOT work with kids that had no income or insurance to afford the necessary programs. They had to have a waiver or some kind of insurance to pay for the programs that were being offered to the public. Or, the agency would not be able to give the family the extra time that was needed to see any REAL results if the fees were started and could not be continued (due to a lack of continued funding). She did finally realize that everything boiled down to how much money a family had in order to receive assistance. And she also understood that a business would not be able to stay in business without the proper funding coming in every month.
With all of this weighing heavily upon her heart, she felt a calling to work with these families, anyway. So, she had acquired assistance in developing a website and Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. And with the help of a few volunteers, and community agencies that supported her efforts, she was able to get the word out about how BAFOL® would help low to no income families regardless of payment. It was at that time, she was also encouraged to seek more professional help with her dream of having an Autism Campus in Kentucky. Which, she decided to go outside of the local community where BAFOL® was started (Louisville, KY) and acquire help from other “Like Minded” individuals who wanted to assist in the Mission and Vision of BAFOL®. Here is an interview by Mr. Mike Russell of WAYFM regarding her background, the organization, etc.
Fast forwarding into three years after being up and going, she kept that dream alive and was able to connect with another "Like Minded" individual of whom also has loved ones on the Spectrum of Autism. Actress/Poetress/Author Mrs. Trisha Mann-Grant, who believed in Bishop Booker's Dream to have an Autism Campus had helped her connect with other celebrities of whom have a compassion for Autism Awareness, too. These celebrities included her husband Actor/Singer Mr. Anthony “Tony” Grant, Actress/Singer Mrs. Shirley Murdock, Actor/Singer Mr. Christopher Williams…just to name a few people with whom she had the privlede of doing interviews on them and her, too. With Mrs. Mann-Grant’s assistance, the news of BAFOL® organization improved dramatically, and the growth on the internet presence skyrocketed. And, by Mrs. Trisha Grant wishing to be as helpful as she could, this stepped up Bishop Booker's plans for including her on the Board of Directors. As well as, the FACE or BRAND of the organization as a US Ambassador for the foundation. And, her dream finally was starting to come into existence for a nontraditional, growing, thriving, and respected nonprofit organization called Booker Autism Foundation of Learning, Inc.® or simply put BAFOL® today! https://youtu.be/ZPwUREBzKLo
In Conclusion
Many years have passed since 1997, when Bishop Booker had started making her DREAM of BAFOL® having an Autism Campus in Kentucky. Still is still working on bringing this dream into reality, many years later, without the overall capital of 100K. She currently works with companies (i.e., community centers, colleges, schools, churches, etc.), during the summer and fall breaks conducting Wholistic Camps for ages 6-15. And, BAFOL® has maintained an annual MOU of services for the undeserved children in several states that appreciate the hard work she has been providing to the special needs community. While many citizens of Kentucky may think that Bishop Booker's Dream of a Wholistic Autism Campus will never see its ground breaking, she still believes that it’s not impossible for this type of organization to come into existence. Bishop Booker has proven that with GOD, all things are possible. Because, BAFOL® has successfully created programs of "Wholistic ART for Education" for ages 6-15 years and Mobile Raw Vegan Culinary Demonstrations by Junior Ambassadors on the Spectrum of Autism in KY/IN/TN. Which, does indeed prove that through the determination (Bishop Booker has) anyone can DREAM big and bring about support systems that will benefit ALL community members. And, that a family facing obstacles while raising special needs kids, going back to school, or working outside of the home, can "play together and stay together as a connected unit" inspite the many daily obstacles that come your way.
She says, "I am always looking for that "Like Minded" people (Like what the Grants did for her), of whom would love to give back in our community by "Paying it Forward" in donating capital to see the Dream come into existence. As well as, volunteering their services towards the Autism Campus." If you are afilliated with a company and are looking to help out in the community, please reach back out to us at [email protected]. Become the voice that can be the change. Please watch this Youtube Video and see what she is speaking about: https://youtu.be/ofEBjshn5n0
The history on how Booker Autism Foundation of Learning, Inc.®, better known as BAFOL®, became a synonymous name mentioned in and around the world, is rather interesting. But not too far-fetched from the traditional stories that you read/hear about all the time. You know what I mean...Where a mother or father decided to take matters into their own hands for the sake of their loved one. Because, being a parent with special needs kids, takes a great deal of prayer, strength, determination, and skills in order to find a solution to anything that comes your way. Please, take a moment and watch this video done by our founder https://youtu.be/ZtOFJSawhbc
Detailed History
Since 1997, Hon. Bishop. Dr. L. Jasmine L. Booker had worked in the field of childcare (with children from all walks of life and some with challenges or inabilities). She knew personally about the struggles of families (especially families of melanin descent), dealing with various issues that ranged from Sensory Disorders, lack of professional services, to no extra finances for special services. In looking at the families that were being offered minimal assistance, she noted that the agencies were not specifically addressing the individualized ART as Education or Wholistic lifestyle of learning; without having an open mind. She slowly started out investigating on how to get the word out to the community that she wanted help and to get help for others. In fact, in 2013, WDRB Fox 41 did a personal interview at her home regarding her eldest son (Jeremy) who is Bipolar 1 and is on the Spectrum of Autism. She wanted to do something in Kentucky to help others, too. Here is the WDRB Fox41 LINK to read more about what she said in her interview. She had felt like this coverage would spark interest in the community, for more nontraditional services, and individualized scholastic services. And she knew first hand how difficult it was to get these services (without being placed on a waiting list), can cause depression, anxiety, and frustration for the whole family unit.
With being fed up about doors being closed for her family, she took matters into her own hands and decided to open up a service focused on specializing in nontraditional ways of working with children on the Spectrum of Autism. At the time (not being an ASD Counselor/Coach/Speaker), she was working towards her goal of educating herself about Autism Spectrum Disorders, visual art, expression of dance for special needs children, and nontraditional diets for better health. Bishop Booker often relied on private schools, churches, and other agencies to assist her with raising her son and his siblings. However, after obtaining her own certifications in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) information, she prayed over having a physical structure where she could have community members to become advocates with her and continue her dream of assisting families like hers and not be judged based on severity of disability. This Autism Campus would cost her 100K that she would have to raise in order for her to bring the reality into existence.
Bishop Booker knew that she would have to "Pay it forward" herself, in order for the community to get engaged with the new "Kid on the block". Such as, parent support groups in KY/IN, book clubs, galas and community health fairs. You can visit this LINK to learn more. Please keep in mind that all of this is being done without an official office (conducted out of her home), hired staff, and finances to speed things up. But, rather, determination to make a difference. Now, initially, she did try and reach out to other Autism organizations in her home state in partnering with her (form a collaboration), by bridging the gap of ASD activities, information, etc. "Wholistically". But, she soon discovered that all of the organizations wanted a fee to have BAFOL® sponsored on their websites for public advertising (i.e., logo, website link, etc.). Most organizations would not work with BAFOL®, because they would say things like "Conflict of Interest" with their own branding. They would ask her questions like, “Why Are You Trying to Reinvent the Wheel?” Or make a suggestion to become a member of their board that is already underway in the community. She was even told to "Get a building first and then reach back out to us." She even stumbled across those of whom would tell her to "Try your own culture of folks" for the proper support.
The disappointment of trying to secure an outside Autism organization did not stop Bishop Booker. Yes. The first few years were slow, and she worked with a small number of families needing ASD support services (within her own town). As she was tirelessly putting her DREAM together, it became evident to Bishop Booker that no one seemed to be focusing their attention on FREE nontraditional WHolistic ARTS Based School or programs with public access for young children. She discovered that most ASD agencies would NOT work with kids that had no income or insurance to afford the necessary programs. They had to have a waiver or some kind of insurance to pay for the programs that were being offered to the public. Or, the agency would not be able to give the family the extra time that was needed to see any REAL results if the fees were started and could not be continued (due to a lack of continued funding). She did finally realize that everything boiled down to how much money a family had in order to receive assistance. And she also understood that a business would not be able to stay in business without the proper funding coming in every month.
With all of this weighing heavily upon her heart, she felt a calling to work with these families, anyway. So, she had acquired assistance in developing a website and Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. And with the help of a few volunteers, and community agencies that supported her efforts, she was able to get the word out about how BAFOL® would help low to no income families regardless of payment. It was at that time, she was also encouraged to seek more professional help with her dream of having an Autism Campus in Kentucky. Which, she decided to go outside of the local community where BAFOL® was started (Louisville, KY) and acquire help from other “Like Minded” individuals who wanted to assist in the Mission and Vision of BAFOL®. Here is an interview by Mr. Mike Russell of WAYFM regarding her background, the organization, etc.
Fast forwarding into three years after being up and going, she kept that dream alive and was able to connect with another "Like Minded" individual of whom also has loved ones on the Spectrum of Autism. Actress/Poetress/Author Mrs. Trisha Mann-Grant, who believed in Bishop Booker's Dream to have an Autism Campus had helped her connect with other celebrities of whom have a compassion for Autism Awareness, too. These celebrities included her husband Actor/Singer Mr. Anthony “Tony” Grant, Actress/Singer Mrs. Shirley Murdock, Actor/Singer Mr. Christopher Williams…just to name a few people with whom she had the privlede of doing interviews on them and her, too. With Mrs. Mann-Grant’s assistance, the news of BAFOL® organization improved dramatically, and the growth on the internet presence skyrocketed. And, by Mrs. Trisha Grant wishing to be as helpful as she could, this stepped up Bishop Booker's plans for including her on the Board of Directors. As well as, the FACE or BRAND of the organization as a US Ambassador for the foundation. And, her dream finally was starting to come into existence for a nontraditional, growing, thriving, and respected nonprofit organization called Booker Autism Foundation of Learning, Inc.® or simply put BAFOL® today! https://youtu.be/ZPwUREBzKLo
In Conclusion
Many years have passed since 1997, when Bishop Booker had started making her DREAM of BAFOL® having an Autism Campus in Kentucky. Still is still working on bringing this dream into reality, many years later, without the overall capital of 100K. She currently works with companies (i.e., community centers, colleges, schools, churches, etc.), during the summer and fall breaks conducting Wholistic Camps for ages 6-15. And, BAFOL® has maintained an annual MOU of services for the undeserved children in several states that appreciate the hard work she has been providing to the special needs community. While many citizens of Kentucky may think that Bishop Booker's Dream of a Wholistic Autism Campus will never see its ground breaking, she still believes that it’s not impossible for this type of organization to come into existence. Bishop Booker has proven that with GOD, all things are possible. Because, BAFOL® has successfully created programs of "Wholistic ART for Education" for ages 6-15 years and Mobile Raw Vegan Culinary Demonstrations by Junior Ambassadors on the Spectrum of Autism in KY/IN/TN. Which, does indeed prove that through the determination (Bishop Booker has) anyone can DREAM big and bring about support systems that will benefit ALL community members. And, that a family facing obstacles while raising special needs kids, going back to school, or working outside of the home, can "play together and stay together as a connected unit" inspite the many daily obstacles that come your way.
She says, "I am always looking for that "Like Minded" people (Like what the Grants did for her), of whom would love to give back in our community by "Paying it Forward" in donating capital to see the Dream come into existence. As well as, volunteering their services towards the Autism Campus." If you are afilliated with a company and are looking to help out in the community, please reach back out to us at [email protected]. Become the voice that can be the change. Please watch this Youtube Video and see what she is speaking about: https://youtu.be/ofEBjshn5n0
Thank you to the Louisville Tourism for recognizing our organization as a prominent Autism Foundation providing support services in Kentucky. Please visit their website for more information LINK.
|