Photo by Katie Turpen.
KultureCity makes special donation to VHEW
On hand for the presentation were VHEW special education teacher Kem Bennett, VHEW Principal Kim Hauser, Diane Zaragoza and Dr. Michele Kong
On Thursday, Feb. 5, KultureCity, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources to families affected by autism, presented VHEW with two special sensory toys and a $500 donation to the school's resource room.
The toys included a special therapeutic swing and an inflatable toy. These toys help with balance and coordination while also providing comfort for children. On hand for the presentation were VHEW special education teacher Kem Bennett, VHEW Principal Kim Hauser, Diane Zaragoza and Dr. Michele Kong.
Dr. Michele Kong and her husband Julian founded KultureCity in August of 2013 after their son Abram was diagnosed with autism at age two. Run from the couple's Vestavia Hills home, the organization has now reached hundreds of families across the world and received a 2014 Top-Rated Nonprofit Award. Their goal is to give families the tools they need while also educating the wider community on effects of autism.
KultureCity has a variety of ongoing projects. Donations are set up so people can choose which project they want to specifically fund. Projects include therapy, art and sensory boxes.
Kong said KultureCity hopes to continue to provide resources in schools throughout the Vestavia Hills School System.
"We really want to support the school system and special needs education. Starting in Vestavia Hills seemed like the natural first step," said Kong. "Everything we do is about reaching multiple families in the community."
For more information, visit kulturecity.org
