“Inclusion is not an option, inclusion is a way of life.
Theresa, Founder of LETI Foundation, 2005.
OUR BACKGROUND AS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
About LETI FOUNDATION (LETI) and its founder, Theresa Gloria-Palma, who has more than 25 years of outreach experience. Theresa diligently navigated through state agencies, educational and medical resources, and services for her daughter Leticia to receive the necessary support for a healthy lifestyle. Theresa endured the struggles of navigating the system, which at times felt hopeless. It was then, she decided to gather families and share with them what she has learned from her experience of seeking services and support for their loved ones. Quickly families responded, to a call out of forming a group for families to come to learn of services and resources, available for their loved ones with a disability. The families began a strong network inviting others to meet monthly at a local library.
During her time navigating the system, Theresa meet many families along the way, who also struggled to receive the support and resources necessary for their family members and realized the language barrier. It was in 2005, Theresa created one of the first Spanish-speaking support groups which quickly grew into a community of families who needed her help having pioneered successfully receiving services. She knew it was time to get organized, therefore, LETI FOUNDATION, a non-profit organization, was founded to help families of children with special needs, by bringing awareness and knowledge in the areas of medical and educational support.
Today, LETI Foundation has seen the beautiful impact it has had on families. The children, who were babies in 2005 are now young adults, they are included in schools, church groups, sports, and recreational activities. Theresa continues to help families, her hopes are to offer emotional support and mentoring that provides comfort and knowledge for parents and guardians looking to get advice, prevent frustration, and encourage self-determination and knowledge in navigating the system and supports available in the Phoenix and surrounding areas.
Mother and daughter, Theresa and Leticia still have an active role in the community.
“Our new path has taken us from adolescent to adult transition. We are having fun, finding new services and supports for Leticia.”
Theresa Gloria-Palma, 2017
LETI FOUNDATION HAS HELPED STRENGTHEN FAMILIES
LETI FOUNDATION has helped many families with locating resources helping families navigate the necessary channels. Families overcome the challenges by empowerment, teaching self-advocacy, and helping understand the system processes to receive the appropriate support and services for their loved ones. It’s a joyous gathering at LETI events, as families attend a group gathering.
It’s a beautiful occasion as families connect! The peace comes from knowing there is a group of families, friends, and professionals who have open hearts to serve a loved one with a disability.
“The conversations flow beautifully and connections are created between seasoned and newly diagnosed families. Families are joyfully relieved, tears of relief and joy rush from their eyes. Parents hug each other like family unconsciously-minded from the relief of stress and intimidation of the inexperience of raising a family member with special needs. The moments are priceless! “
Theresa Gloria-Palma
Today LETI Foundation works with many organizations, such as Pan De Vida Foundation, Southwest Institute for Families and Children with Special Needs, RAZE-Rural Arizona Engagement, and many other organizations to bring the best of support such as self-advocacy, supportive decision-making, voting rights to its members.
To contact Theresa Palma directly, email at theresa@Letifoundation.com or call 480-567-6148.
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