In the Spotlight

Designers Vision Home for First Step

"Brittany was born perfect,? Ann says of her oldest child and daughter. But two weeks later, things changed. Her infant daughter suffered a harsh viral infection that left her brain injured and consequently severely autistic. Ann and husband Nick had little hope until they became familiar with First Step shortly after she was diagnosed. Their daughter spent the fi rst 7 years of her life at First Step and, now at 13, her future is bright. Now their hope is that other individuals will be enlightened by the work First Step does for individuals who live with disabilities. Orchestrated in 1958, First Step was created by a group in Hot Springs who Ann Tillman recognized the need to provide better services to those with disabilities and developmental delays. Over the next 50 years, the group grew to 7 service centers throughout the state servicing 27 counties. As a private, non-profi t organization, First Step provides a wide range of services. The Tillman's experienced fi rst hand the Early Intervention program that enables speech, occupational and physical therapists to visit client's home. These therapists work with individuals from the initial onset of their evaluation. "First Step immediately jumped in to help when we had little faith,? says Ann. Over 1600 families are served each Photography by Todd Marchese year by First Step with no cost to the client. "This is practically unheard of in other areas?, says Ann. "They are committed to helping ordinary people through extraordinary circumstances.? First Step is not just for children, either, as older individuals are aided in employment issues and living environments. In the past, First Step has held spaghetti suppers and other various fundraisers to generate additional money for their organization. This year, in celebration of the 50th anniversary, the First Step Foundation and a large group of volunteers are pulling out all the stops with the 2008 Designers Vision House, the brainchild of builder Archie VanGorder and his wife Leigh Ann a preschool director for First Step. The 4500 square foot home is located in Fairplay Estates and will boast interesting features including a brick wine cellar, an equipped learning center and media room. An outdoor fi replace over looks a beautiful gunite pool and hot tub, both provided by Rio Pools. "The entire home will have top of the line products and will be a treat for both the eyes and hands as you see and feel the quality of the Designers Vision House,? says Ann, who is also the Project Chair of the event. She added that not only will funds raised go to First Step but that this event will be an exciting opportunity to showcase the talents of local artisans and designers from the Spa City. To date, between in-kind donations and cash contributions, First Step Foundation has already surpassed their original goal of $250,000. The organization fully expects to raise a half million dollars from the tours and the sale of the Designers Vision Home. "Everyone who has been involved with this project has become inspired,? Ann remarked. "We have seen so much creativity, involvement and more generosity than we ever could have imagined.?

Designers Vision Home

226 Fairplay Terrace Fairplay Estates Hot Springs, AR Fairplay Estates October 18 - November 16th October 17 - Grand Opening Party Hours - 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday 1pm-4pm Sunday Closed Wednesday $10 - advance admission $15 - at the door $25 - Run of the show For more information about First Step or the Designers Vision Home, call 501-620-6615 65 Inviting Arkansas

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