Meet the Founder of Slope Cares
Meet Jerrica Thurston, a dedicated mom of two wonderful children who were diagnosed with autism shortly after the family's move from Texas to Colorado in the Fall of 2021. This life-changing event catapulted Jerrica into a world she was unprepared for, as she had no prior knowledge of autism or the term neurodivergent. In high school, Jerrica was diagnosed with ADHD but was unaware she, too, was considered neurodivergent. Being neurodivergent just meant that her mind worked differently from hers. Now, she realizes her ADHD is what makes her so unique, and she views her diagnosis as a strength, not a weakness.
However, it was her children's diagnoses that sparked a relentless search for resources and understanding. Faced with the challenge of navigating a new area and struggling with the complexities of autism, Jerrica embarked on a mission to find support for her family. She tirelessly contacted local and national resources for information and assistance.
Through her journey, Jerrica realized the shortage of accessible resources for families like hers on the Western Slope. Determined to bridge this gap, she founded Slope Cares, a platform that provides comprehensive information and support for families with neurodivergent children. Slope Cares is more than just a website; it's a beacon of hope and community for parents navigating similar challenges.
One of Jerrica's proudest moments came when her daughter, once non-verbal, began communicating independently with the help of appropriate interventions and the apes. This transformative experience fueled Jerrica's passion for sharing knowledge and resources with others, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Recognizing the isolation often felt by parents of special needs children, Jerrica established a local Facebook group to foster connections and support among caregivers. This online community has blossomed into a mutual aid network where parents share insights, resources, and encouragement.
Jerrica's dedication to Slope Cares is unwavering, as she volunteers her time to update the website as she discovers resources for other families. Her ultimate goal is to transform Slope Cares into a non-profit organization, supporting families in special education, educating community shareholders on how to advocate by sharing their personal stories, and empowering other individuals and organizations to come alongside her to better these children and care vers. With aspirations to expand Slope Cares' services to include respite care, Jerrica envisions a future where every family receives the support they need to thrive.
Join Jerrica and the Slope Cares community in their mission to create a more inclusive and supportive world for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Together, they are proving that strength lies in unity and that with determination and compassion, anything is possible.
