Youth With A Purpose believes that all children are gifted.
​          We sometimes invite folks with intimate knowledge of the struggles children face to write on our website.
​          Ashley Taylor is today's guest writer who has some valuable advice about loving children.
          Preparing for Parenthood: Advice for Those With Disabilities
Photo courtesy of Pexels
 
Some individuals are born with a physical, mental, or emotional disability. Others acquire their disability during their childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Whatever the case may be, living with a disability doesn’t always equate to missing out on life experiences - namely, parenthood. Millions of people with disabilities are also parents, though life planning changes a bit when living with a disability and preparing to welcome a baby. For anyone with a disability who is planning to become or about to become a parent, there are plenty of ways to prepare your home and your life for a new addition.
 
Fertility and Disability
 
During family planning, you might encounter fertility struggles; this is not uncommon for people with or without a disability. Although some conditions, such as Down Syndrome, can cause infertility, not all disabilities do.
 
For instance, many women with Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD), such as Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) and hypogammaglobulinemia, worry about the impact of their condition on their ability to conceive and to carry a healthy baby to term. Luckily for these hopeful parents, recent studies have shown that the rates of fertility and successful pregnancy are relatively positive in women with this condition.
 
Even if your disability is known to create fertility issues, you still have many options available. For instance, you might consider in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, or even adoption. These are just a few of the options available for those who wish to become parents, whether disabled or not.
 
Talking with Your Doctor
 
Before embarking upon the journey to parenthood, you should partner with a compassionate, qualified doctor. Along with helping you physically prepare for parenthood, your doctor can answer all kinds of questions you may have, including:
 
●       Is your condition genetic?
●       If so, what are the chances of passing it on to an unborn baby?
●       Can you conceive naturally or will you need assistance through IVF treatments, oral medications, or surrogacy?
●       Should you consider adoption?
 
Help, Support and Resources
 
After deciding to start a family, you’ll want to read parenting books, join support groups, and do your research about what to expect. Here are some of the many resources for disabled parents around the world:
 
●      HealthyStart is an initiative for families of parents with learning difficulties.
●      FamilyLivingToday offers product reviews and recommendations for parents of all abilities, plus advice on baby-proofing and child safety.
●       The Easter Seals Thrive program supports young women with disabilities, including parents.
●      The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a multitude of resources for parents with disabilities.
●      Parents with Disabilities is an online resource for parents with disabilities.
 
Planning and Home Preparation
 
It’s important to plan for and purchase car seats and booster seats for your child. Try to do this before the baby arrives. When purchasing car seats or booster seats, you’ll want to consider which seats are the best fit for you and your baby’s needs.
 
When choosing a car seat or booster seat, consider the following:
 
●       Minimum age, height, and weight requirements
●       Expiration date (always make sure your seat is still safe for your child to use)
●       Proper installation (rear-facing is safest)
●       Cost (an all-in-one seat will last the longest, although they’re more expensive up front)
 
As you can see, there are many options available these days for becoming a parent even if you have a disability. If you have additional questions, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor, gynecologist, or support group. Remember, your disability doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t start a family. Just like any other parent, it will take some research and planning ahead to prepare yourself, your life, and your home for parenthood.

    You probably couldn't put a better program together. Celebrating the history of comebacks.
​     We honored military veterans, football stars (high school & Pro,) we ate good food and made new friends.
     As always, the house was packed and everybody who spoke gave God the credit for guiding them.
​     Personal comebacks are big. Team comebacks are better. Life comebacks are the greatest - they follow what Jesus did in His resurrection comeback!
​     Fred & Kathy Raines and a huge group of volunteers from Athletes In Action once again put on a first class event at the Hyatt Regency in Buffalo, NY. John Murphy does a great job sharing the Emcee duties with Frank & Linda Reich and their daughter Lia. The Reich's always present a beautiful picture of a family that believes in praying together. That means a lot to all of the young people at Youth With A Purpose.
​     The Award Ceremony was kicked off with a moving tribute in honor of US Army SSG Tommy Reiman (Retired.) Tommy is a leader, a hero who has a strong relationship with God. 
​     High School Call To Courage Awardees were Alec Tamburri from Lancaster and Da'Ron Bellan from Medina. Both young men are outstanding leaders on and off the football field. Thy both received scholarships.
​     The 2017 Call To Courage Award Winner, Buffalo Bill Lorenzo Alexander was on hand along with former Bills Steve Tasker and Jerry Butler. Part of the Program included a lively discussion on proposed NFL Rule changes. 
​     This year's Call To Courage Award Winner is Demario Lewis. He's played with the NY Jets and Cleveland Browns just recently signed as a Free Agent with the New Orleans Saints. Demario is a dedicated student who studies his football playbook along with his Bible. He dedicates a lot of his time helping kids in the community.
​     Demario told a story about his family. His wife asked their daughter to get a broom out of the back room. His daughter was scared because it was dark in the room. Mom told her not to be afraid because Jesus was with her everywhere she went. Their daughter opened the door of the dark room and said, "Jesus if you're in there, could you hand me the broom?" Professional athletes who demonstrate family values, community service and a strong faith in God are the greatest role models that any kid (or grown up) could ever have!
​     The Greatest Comeback in NFL history is always mentioned at the Call To Courage Breakfast. This year was extra special, it's the 25th Anniversary of the Comeback. Frank Reich and Steve Tasker were given commemorative helmets as they missed the on field celebration during the Season.
     The YWAP Directors are grateful to the many people who made it possible to bring many of our young people and their families to another life-changing event. ​

     Young folks and old folks are shaping the present and future of Buffalo - the "City of Good Neighbors!"
​     With Mrs. Triggs and the Perry Tenant Council leading the way, Buffalo added to its great history.
​     A lot of folks whose voices and actions shape our community were honored with citations.
​    People from all over came to celebrate with dinner, education, awards and good old friendship - Buffalo style! 
​     Before the evening was wrapped up, students delivered dinners to the residents in the Perry Homes. They just rode up the elevators and knocked on doors to deliver a nice surprise of dinner and bread. Yes folks, that's what Buffalonians do - they knock on strangers doors to deliver dinner and make new friends! YWAP was there in the kitchen as a spaghetti-meister. We also spread Jesus Wristbands like seeds in fertile ground!

     You have many things in your life to think about. Some you control and some you don't.
​     We urge you to make two lists. Make a list things you can't control. Study it, then THROW IT AWAY!
     After you discard what you can't control, make a list of what you can control. Study it ~ often. Carry it with you.
     Place the list of what you do control in places where you will regularly see it. A mirror, your dashboard, above your desk, on your treadmill etc. Focus on your potential often and believe in yourself! 
GO & DO WHAT YOU DO CONTROL!
Thanks for your time.
Go do something nice for somebody.
(You do control your finger that can hit the "Like" button for Youth With A Purpose Inc. on Facebook. Thank you.)
#ywap716 #ywapbuffalo #ywap4God #JLYASDW

     Alpha & Omega International Band has been around for about four years. We are growing more international! On Saturday night (4-7-18) at The Bread of Life Church, we had folks from Russia, Korea, Ghana, Sri Lanka and Buffalo's Fruit Belt!
​     The music was phenomenal; mostly due to the heart conditions of the people involved. They gave their best and they gave God the credit for who they are in Christ. After a few hours of praise, prayer and Truth from God's Word, we shared a nice meal.
​     This was our second night at the Bread of Life after a few years at The Christian Slavonic Church. We do like to go to different locations. Are hope at The Bread is to attract folks from the neighborhood who could benefit from learning how much God loves them.
​     Anyone interested in participating in our next Saturday Night Live please call us. we are open to praise and worship songs or even poetry from individuals or worship bands. The next event will be held on:
May 5, 2018 from 6-9 PM, Rehearsal starts at 5 PM. 

     Young children and their families celebrated Easter Smile Fest in Buffalo on Saturday afternoon.
​     While the Buffalo Police cooked and helped with an Easter Egg Hunt, the smiles grew bigger.
     As usual, Mrs. Triggs was the chief planner in a huge community collaboration.
​     Please call us if you'd like to be involved in fanning the flames of good neighborliness! 

     Young people used brooms, rakes and shovels to clean a city in need of God.
​     When folks humble themselves and clean, God blesses the work of their hands.
​     A city can be transformed by the work of children's hands ~ working hands and praying hands.
     Pray from afar or come and pray today. 
​     None Like You/We Care Outreach, YWAP, the Buffalo Police, Perry Tenant Council and a many other organizations are collaborating in the City of Good Neighbors. 279 Perry St. Buffalo, NY 4-7-18 from 2-6 pm.

YWAP would like to say happy Resurrection Sunday to folks all over the world.
We all could use some thoughtful reflection time about how live better lives.
​As you focus on the pictures and read the caption, reflect on your own life.
​People are imperfect and God knows that. Through Jesus, God cut us some slack.
Thanks for your time. Jesus loves you and so do we.
​#ywap4God #JLYASDW