“We have been so blessed by rising lights project .”
“Jaimie is a wonderful role model who works with passion and integrity. She is well respected, kind, and generous with her time and talents. She believes that a community is best served when all members are included, which is what makes her a true leader and one who never sets limits on a person’s abilities. We have been so blessed to have Jaimie in our lives and are thrilled to see her expanding her love for the special needs community with The Rising Lights Project where she can impact so many others.”
— Michelle Brandonisio
Mother of a special needs child
“Our daughter has grown immensely.”
“Like most special needs parents, I was exhausted, stressed, overwhelmed, and the thought of who can I trust with my anxiety-ridden child about threw me over a cliff. That Sunday morning, six years ago, our lives forever changed when Jaimie introduced herself to our family. A natural ability to make connections, she listens attentively with her whole heart, always is thinking of ways of how to accommodate or make a situation better. She has been a trusted friend that I could count on. We have seen our daughter grow immensely in those six years and consider Jaimie to be a part of our team that has helped her be who she is today.”
— Jacquie Hardt Marquardt
Mother of a special-needs teen
“Making meaningful connections is what rising lights project is all about.”
“It has been my pleasure to get to know Jaimie over the past six years. Her desire to help children and adults with special needs is a much-appreciated part of our local community. Jaimie has the ability to think outside the box, and envision meaningful connections and activities for those who do not have the same abilities or opportunities as their non-disabled peers. With a big smile on her face and a kind heart, she brings a fresh perspective and excitement to those around her!”
— Angie Bateman
Kaneville, IL
“Rising Lights adults means opportunities for my son to be successful.”
“It means opportunities for my son to be successful, increase his self-confidence and independence and take pride in his abilities and achievements.
It means being a part of something bigger, more inclusive, and more far-reaching as a group than anything our family alone could achieve. It expands the possibilities.
No longer having our long-standing educational team, the project means support and hope for our son’s and family’s future that doesn’t seem quite so lonely and isolated. It means there are others on similar journeys, and we can all work together to build fulfilling and vibrant lives for our children. The future seems less daunting and brighter when you have others walking the same path in tandem.”
- Sharon Rosenberger, mother of a 22-year-old son with disability