“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 has more than 23 years of outreach experience. She has worked hard to get the resources needed for her daughter and endured the struggles of navigating the system. Theresa realized not only the struggle with finding the right services for her daughter but realize others did as well. During her time of navigating the system, she meet many families and friends along the way, who also struggled to get the support and resources necessary for their family members and realized a language barrier. Theresa created one of the first Spanish-speaking support groups which quickly grew into a community of families that needed her help having pioneered successfully to receiving services. She knew it was time to get organized, therefore, founded “LETI FOUNDATION” a non-profit organization to help families of children with special needs, by bringing awareness and knowledge in the areas of medical and educational supports.
Formerly a stay-at-home mom, Theresa decided to create a much-needed support group for all, especially for Latino families. In 2005, LETI Foundation (LETI) was formed for parents in search of resources for raising a child with a disability. Through LETI, she hopes to offer emotional support and mentoring that provides comfort and knowledge for parents and guardians looking to get advice, prevent frustration, 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 RAISING SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY MEMBERS
LETI FOUNDATION has been able to help many families with locating resources in 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 supports and services for their loved ones. LETI has provided training and workshops, support group gatherings, organically bringing together a community that supports each other. It’s a joyous gathering at LETI events, as families attend a group gathering or celebration.
Theresa too enjoys the connections as families see her as a mentor and her shoulder to cry on. The peace comes from knowing there is a group especially with open minds and hearts designed for families who share the same commonality of loving a child 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
LETI FOUNDATION HAS BOTH ENGLISH AND SPANISH COMMUNITIES
LETI has been able to help those in need, who seek help. Theresa came to realize through the dire need to do more in the community. A call out through friends, professionals, email blasts, and television appearances, was a good start to get the word out to families and especially first-time parents in need of support who were not aware of LETI FOUNDATION. With the help of a few members, the newly formed group of parents and Theresa quickly made calls and set out to create awareness to the Latino community to come and see what resources, articles, literature is now available in both English and Spanish. LETI FOUNDATION has quickly grown to support both English and Spanish-speaking families. The organization has created the changes needed, providing resources, support, and opportunity for people with disabilities. A positive impact has been accomplished, the organization is ready to move forward for all who are in need of empowerment and knowledge of available services in the community.
TOGETHER WE CAN CREATE THE CHANGES TODAY FOR A BETTER FUTURE FOR TOMORROW.
LETI FOUNDATION IS A QUALIFIED 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION. Donations and contributions, every dollar counts for helping our members! A letter of receipt is given upon request when a donation is made via our website donation button. We thank you in advance for your contribution.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR MISSION INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY DESIGN & CONSULTING LLC FOR PROVIDING US WITH A AMAZING WEBSITE, HOSTING, & MARKETING SERVICES. YOUR DONATED TIME AND SERVICES ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED FOR PROVIDING SUPPORT & MARKETING FOR LETI FOUNDATION TO REACH OUT TO A GREATER AUDIENCE OF FAMILIES, DONORS, & CONTRIBUTORS.