Hello All - PLEASE sign our petition to keep Jonathan Janssens, a mentally retarded, autistic, epileptic special needs child, at his current placement at Woods Services, a phenominal facility, in Langhorne PA. Jon has been there since horrendous seizures began at 14 years old, Upon his 21st birthday - August 17th at midnight, there will be NO FUNDS to keep him there. Due to a variety of reasons, mostly bureaucratic politics of sorts, the State, County and School cannot find a loophole in which to place Jon to keep him there. Keeping him safe and adjusted where people understand his VERY limited language and the community is aware of him is critical. This is NOT A WANT; IT IS A NEED TO KEEP HIM SAFE AND PROTECTED.   Jon works several jobs on and off campus part time with support and has thrived over the last six years. Moving him to Woods when I could not care for him and keep him safe was devastating for me, his mother, but turned out to be the best thing for him! He has thrived there - he belongs there - he is safe with the necessary supervision, loved, cared for and has many levels of programs etc... His family is very supportive and involved, His seizures have stabilized with medication, however stress, heat etc...can all play factors in increased seizure activity, along with aging and normal changes in his body. He has virtually no speech to the unfamiliar ear, is moderately mentally retarded since birth, and has autistic tendancies, PDD, and other issues to numerous to mention and he is a wonderful, remarkable young man. HE ASKS "WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME MA? WHY MY BRAIN DIFFERENT" He understands most things which makes it very difficult when he can't express himself, frustration comes and then he will shut down. Moving him would be devastating to his communication and would cause him great regression and quite possibly his safety being compromised until others become familiar with him which can take many months IF you have dedicated staff. Can you imagine not being able to voice your questions, needs, or concerns? This is Jon's daily life.   The rules require Jon moving to a group home, probably in Chester or Delaware County, change everything in his daily 24 hour routine, every care giver and person familiar to him, his programs, his surroundings, the community he has come to know and even where he lays his head to sleep. We may not have more than 72 hours to make that decision. This is cruel and most of us could never endure such horrific sudden changes. Let alone someone who has it stated that he needs time to transition on every IEP and annual report over 18 years, Now it is disregarded. This is unacceptable and will be detrimental to this fine young man. Jonathan has done nothing but work hard, try to cooperate even with his challenges, and please and support those around him. HE NOW NEEDS OUR SUPPORT. We have asked for virtually nothing over the years and need support now. Please fill in all required information.  I will not contact you and this remains solely with legislators. We beg your help. Please forward to your friends, family, Churches, groups and community organizations to support Jonathan's life in crisis NOW. Ask for their help too - anyone who would recognize the importance of protecting Jon's safety. Keep us in your prayers and know that Jonathan, his mother and brothers are MOST grateful for your support and time to help Jonathan. If you know him or would meet him, you would understand why we are prepared to fight so hard to protect this wonderful young man who has faced and endured so many challenges and succeeded. We can't give up on him now! THANK YOU AND BLESS YOU EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU AS WE KNOW WE ARE BLESSED WITH THOSE WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED AND WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED BEING PART OF JONATHAN"S LIFE! Suzi Shearon Janssens

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