Parkes man Joseph Bondareff has shaved off his long hair and beard to raise money for Central West Autism & Special Needs Awareness Group.
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Donation boxes around town, a GoFundMe page and pure leg work have helped Joseph raise $1059.35.
“The money will help continue to support families of children with a disability in our community, bring world class speakers to Parkes and hold fabulous community events to try and raise awareness of different disabilities,” Joseph said.
Joseph’s son, Reuben, was diagnosed with autism as a young child. He explains how the past year has taken a new direction for his son and himself…
“When Reuben turned 18 his peadiatrician would no longer see him, so we had to search wider to find the proper mental health professional who would be able to direct him through his pre-adult years.
“I won’t lie, it’s been very tough trying to find the proper professional help during my son’s teen years.
“Out west of Lithgow there is very little guidance on how to get regular local help for children with autism after their primary school years.
“As a father and single parent I have experienced my own set of challenges managing with my son’s special needs. There have been times in the past couple of years that he has needed his mother’s attention and she has been able to provide that.
“I have seen the wonderful transformation in him as he spends regular time with her because there are aspects to his life she can provide as a mother that I never will be able to as a father.
“The last few years have not gone without challenges, but when we have been able to work together (for his growth) there has been noticeable growth which I could never have achieved alone.
“During the last year Reuben has been involved in the singing band at the church we go to (of his own decision), been involved with a monthly community meal (for anyone in the community) and we’ve both been regulars to the meetings for the Central West Autism & Special Needs Awareness Group.
“He has been very passionate about being part of this group because he feels he has something to offer, considering all he has been through with autism.
“His teen years have had a strong focus on his sporting abilities for his own self-awareness and achievement, but this last year he has been focusing more on being part of something greater than himself (the community) and independence. We still have a long way to go, but I am proud of these steps he has taken to heart in helping others.”
