My name is Leslie Headley and I have lived in Windsor my whole life.
I would like to share my journey with you in hopes that I can help raise awareness and raise funds for children with disabilities in our community. I started working with a little boy through Family Respite Services when I was in my 2nd year of the Child and Youth Worker Program at St. Clair College. This young boy was non-verbal and diagnosed with Autism. This respite part time job changed me forever and really opened my eyes to the gifts that children with disabilities have.
I absolutely loved working with this sweet little boy. I would pick him up from daycare, bring him home to play and learn, make dinner for the two of us, clean up and get him ready for bed. It's like I was an extension of his family. We learned so much about each other and had fun doing it. That family eventually moved away, asked me to move with them so that I could be their Nanny and also continue to provide respite. I had to politely decline as I was still a student and needed to finish my schooling, plus I love Windsor and didn't plan on moving out of the city!

Over the last 8 years I continued to work with 4 other families through Family Respite Services and had the opportunity to make an impact in all of their lives. I went on to have my own family and the last little girl that I provided respite for is no longer a "little girl", but I am extremely happy to say that the family and I still keep in contact often. When I see her, I can't believe how much she has grown. This young lady has turned into an amazing young woman who has come so far, this makes my heart so happy!

I know that respite providers are there to provide the family with "respite time" and to help the children with different tasks and skills, BUT the experience that I had working with children with disabilities was invaluable. I learned so much from the children that I worked with, I believe this has made me a better person, especially a better mom. Family Respite Services and the families and children provided me with a once in a life time opportunity, and in return I want to give back.

I recently opened From Bean to Sprout, a children and maternity consignment boutique at 3749 Tecumseh Rd. I wanted to open a business in Windsor because I have strong roots in this community. I enjoy consignment shopping because it's great quality clothing/ items at a fraction of the price, so it only made sense for me to open a consignment business! I hope that parents in Windsor/ Essex County can benefit from consignment shopping because it's the stylish and affordable way to shop!

From now until Oct. 4th, bring your consignment items to the store. When the items are sold you will receive 40% of the selling price and 10% of the selling price will ensure that children with disabilities continue to have a respite provider and have the same opportunities as their peers!

Leslie Headley, Owner of From Bean to Sprout, 226-674-2626

Alexandria Fischer, Fundraising Coordinator, Family Respite Services www.familyrespite.org
519-972-9688 x 156 afischer@familyrespite.org

Link: www.facebook.com/frombeantosprout?fref=ts