100% of all contributions made to Jacob's Ladder are invested in programs and services that directly impact the students who seek our help. Donations of all types are appreciated.
development
Dear Friends,
There is no such thing as false hope. This statement guides every facet of our work at Jacob's Ladder. In each child, we see hope and possibility, rather than limitations.
Jacob's Ladder is the fruition of a long journey that began with my son, Jacob. Diagnosed with pervasive developmental delay, the first few years of Jacob's life were filled with countless evaluations and conflicting diagnoses that led to little progress.
Driven by my belief in Jacob's potential, I received intensive training on the brain-based neurodevelopmental approach, which continues to be the basis for our program. Through intensive, daily interventions -- all delivered with the right frequency, intensity, and duration -- new capacity was created in Jacob's brain.
Jacob, like so many of our students, has defied the "experts." A child who once struggled to speak, stand, and walk is now excelling both academically and physically. Time and again we have proven that with perseverance, patience, and a personal approach, positive growth and change are possible in any child. The path may be challenging, but it is traversable, step-by-step.
Your support of Jacob's Ladder will enable us to continue our legacy of hope. We invite you to join us on this next, critical step of our journey.
Sincerely,
Amy O'Dell
M.Ed., LPC, TRS, CNC
Founding Director
Jacob's Ladder
Overview
At Jacob's Ladder, students regularly reach milestones once thought impossible.
The Jacob's Ladder methodology is grounded in science, predicated on the brain’s ability to change and grow with the right, targeted interventions. Yet our work is equally guided by love and our unwavering commitment to see beyond diagnoses. Our job is to develop a plan that addresses the specific needs of each student, while never losing sight of their innate gifts.
Jacob's Ladder has helped thousands of children realize their unique promise in the face of significant challenges. In 2010, Jacob's Ladder faced a significant challenge of its own - one that we faced with resolve and a clear plan. Our See the Possibilities Campaign, launched in November 2010 has enabled us to secure and begin renovations to our custom-built campus.
"At 18 months old, our toddler regressed into the world of autism. We were told by our public school administrators that his autism was to severe for him to learn, even in a Special Education classroom. After several unsuccessful school placements, we found hope at Jacob’s Ladder. In only a few weeks, our friends and family joined us in seeing his emergence. The child previously labeled ‘unteachable’ now reads for enjoyment, aces math problems, takes piano lessons and plays with friends.
The dedication of the Jacob’s Ladder staff has been instrumental in these successes."
Rhoda and Grant Gunnigle
From an initial enrollment of four students in 1998, Jacob’s Ladder now serves 60 students onsite in grades Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth. In-home services serve an average of ten additional students per year. We work with children with any type of neurological disorder -- from down syndrome and cerebral palsy to a range of learning disabilities and genetic disorders -- although 60% of students have been diagnosed with autism. Since 1998, Jacob's Ladder has provided evaluations and tailored training to some 2,500 families -- from virtually every state and five continents -- helping them perform interventions in the home or other settings.
Grounded in science, guided by love and delivered with an unwavering commitment to see beyond diagnoses, our methodology works.
Our Mission Statement
At Jacob's Ladder Neurodevelopmental School and Therapy Center, we believe that every brain is capable of new growth and change. No matter what the condition or diagnosis given, we know that the brain can change based on the input and stimulation it receives. Our job is to provide that intense interaction and stimulation -- consistently and daily. Our mission is to believe in the potential of each child that walks through our doors, while readily and lovingly expressing that belief. That is who we are.
"You cannot fake true commitment. At Jacob's Ladder, you feel the commitment of the school's team at
every level. Their entire purpose is to help children do the things that other people say they cannot do."
Mark Pope, Jacob’s Ladder Board of Directors
President, Graphic Solutions Group
Our unique, brain-based approach has been successful by implementing the following key protocols:
- Each student has an extensive evaluation and a customized curriculum with dozens of specific, daily interventions that target fine motor, language, sensory and academic development.
- Children receive one-on-one instruction from our devoted, skilled teaching staff.
- Student progress is continually evaluated, with ongoing modifications to each child's personalized plan as needed.
- Opportunities are provided for social growth and development, through group interactions, field trips, art exhibits, and physical activities.
- Innovative therapies are used to enhance progress, including the hyperbaric oxygen chamber, brain mapping and neurofeedback.
The Jacob's Ladder approach is designed to help the brain build new pathways, producing miraculous results in the academic, social, and physical development of our students. On a daily basis, we see nonverbal children grasp language, children with autism establish eye contact, and children who have struggled to learn take steps toward academic achievement.
A Solid Foundation for the Future
In 2007, Jacob's Ladder identified five-year strategic goals for the school's development, including:
- Acquisition of a permanent school campus
- Completion of accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
- Growth of Student capacity from 18 to 36 students
- Expansion of teacher training opportunities
- Development of an Outdoor Therapeutic Program (OTP)
These objectives have been accomplished, beginning with the move to our beautiful four-acre campus in Roswell, which has provided the space to surpass enrollment goals. Jacob's Ladder earned SAIS/SACS Accreditation in 2010, an important achievement that affirms the school is meeting quality standards. Private funds were raised to enhance teacher training and launch the OTP, including the creation of an outdoor running trail with fitness stations, a playground and a garden.
The focus placed on enhancing capacity, formalizing processes and building infrastructure has provided a sound foundation for the continued growth and development of the unique Jacob's Ladder approach.
Jacob's Ladder is proud of the progress made toward our strategic goals, which have significantly enhanced programmatic capacity. At the same time, an unexpected challenge emerged on our path to the future.
The school's campus was originally intended as a gift, but, due to unforeseen financial difficulties, our benefactor was unable to fulfill his desire to donate the property. Faced with the decision to uproot the school - following years of operating from temporary, inadequate facilities - the Board of Directors voted to purchase the property.
Jacob's Ladder launched its $1.5 million "See the Possibilities" Capital Campaign in November 2010 to pay the mortgage in the interim, secure the Jacob's Ladder campus, create a reserve maintenance fund, fund financial aid and professional development and support campaign related expenses.
Through the generous support of several private foundations, we were able to fully retire the mortgage. With the encouragement and support of our partners, we have expanded our capital campaign beyond our original vision. Our goal has been increased to $1.83 million to allow us to address our immediate needs. To date we have secured pledges totaling $1,655,520, with $174,480 to be raised.
Words cannot adequately express the gratitude we feel towards the individuals and organizations that have supported us over the years. We are forever indebted to them for believing in the mission and work of our school. Without their generous support we could not have accomplished the great strides we have made since our inception in 1998.