David and Joanne Vanderheite
How long have you been connected with David’s Refuge?
We’ve been with the organization for about 8 years.
Please explain any diagnosis your child has, and you have experience with.
Our youngest daughter has level 3 Autism, ADHD, Sensory processing disorder, Bipolar, and diabetes.
What is your favorite part of being a host?
Our Favorite part of being hosts are meeting all the parents and connecting with them. We want them to know they are never alone, that there are resources to help them and connecting to those resource brings hope and help. We also want them to know they are loved.
What is something you want your guests to know about you?
Our family has been helped by David’s Refuge and it was and still is lifesaving. Getting to rest is everything. We have six children with our youngest being the one with special needs. Helping her and advocating for her has brought us new adventures, new friends and learning to never give up hope.
What is a piece of advice you have found invaluable as a family with experience in special needs or a medically fragile diagnosis?
Know that God loves you and having faith will see you thru. Our community of special needs parents and children has brought us so much joy. Never give up advocating for your children.
Which partner location is your favorite and why?
The location that is our Favorite is the Beekman house. It brings you back in time. The food is excellent too. Sitting on the porch watching the Amish carriages go by is so peaceful.
A genie grants you the ability to have infinite amount of one item. What is it?
Knowledge
What book changed your life?
Too many to list.
What is a question you wish people would ask you less?
How do you do it?