FASSTAR ENTERPRISES
Meet John Kellerman, a young enterpreneur who is struggling to overcome his limitations to become a productive and responsible citizen.
John has come a long way from the scrawny 2-pound infant who was not expected to survive the prenatal exposure to alcohol which left him with crossed eyes, a hole in his heart, and a brain that can't always process information correctly. John has battled every day of his life against the assault of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which renders him dependent upon his mother and brother and a few other trusted support persons to help keep him safe from harm due to his vulnerability and poor judgment imposed by his disability.
After 20 years in the special education system, John is struggling at a special job (Vocational Rehabilitation) doing part time manual labor for $3.31 per hour (before taxes). John recently became approved for SSI which supplements his meager income, so he is now capable of paying for his own living expenses. But John is not able to enjoy independence. He requires close monitoring and cannot have any time on his own, either at home or in the community. He does not presently qualify for residential placement services, so he must continue to live with his mother who provides 24/7 supervision.
John volunteers as a member of the board of directors of the Pima Council on Developmental Disabilities, and occassionally helps the respite sitter in the FAS playroom during family support group meetings. John also assists in giving FAS presentations with his mother, Teresa, and answers questions with unique insight and wisdom. Over the years, John has learned a great deal about his disability, and he probably knows more than some professionals!
One of John's greatest accomplishments was to participate in the production of an educational video for teens, "FAS: Everybody's Baby," for prevention of FAS and other alcohol related disabilities. John starred in the video, played the drums for the credits, and helped to promote and distribute the video to local schools, along with FAS awareness posters that his mother designed.
John's mother is an affiliate member of Amazon.com, where she can make a small commission (5%) on all sales made through this web site, on both the FAS Book Store, which offers the latest printed publications on FAS, and Johnny's Gift Shop, where there is something for everyone, at Christmas time, birthday time, or any time you want to give a gift to others or yourself. John and his mom work primarily as unpaid volunteers, and they appreciate the small contribution that comes from your ordering books and gifts through the above links.
John hopes that you will help him raise awareness about FAS by taking advantage of the good deals he makes available to you through FASSTAR ENTERPRISES. For more information on FAS, visit this web site: http://www.come-over.to/FASCRC