Special Needs Advocate and Educator Vertongie Kendrix-Bailey shares in Episode 38, that was stressful to see her toddler cry a lot, act as if he was lost at times and throw tantrums. When he was 4 years old, her son Hezekiah was diagnosed with autism after a comprehensive evaluation by his medical team. The medical team that evaluated Hezekiah included a pediatrician, a psychiatrist, an occupational therapist, a speech and language pathologist, and a nurse. After the evaluation and diagnosis Kendrix-Bailey knew she had to get help for her son. With that in mind, Kendrix-Bailey took it upon herself to educate herself about autism. She took college courses on children with special needs and autism. Then she began a nonprofit to educate and empower parents and other community members named, Hezekiah Kidz, Inc.
The mission at Hezekiah Kidz, Inc. is to empower children with autism and other disabilities with life skills. This nonprofit aims to move children beyond their disabilities, provide them with the skills to survive, and prepare them to live a meaningful life. Hezekiah Kidz, Inc. envisions a world where all children regardless of their disabilities are valued and afforded resources to develop the skills to realize their full potential. Each year Hezekiah Kidz, Inc. hosts an Autism Community Day. This event raises awareness, provides links to community programs for parents of children with special needs, and offers fun activities for families and community members alike. Autism Community Day will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at The Game Room in Livonia, MI.
Kendrix-Bailey credits her oldest son with laying the groundwork for the mission and purpose of Hezekiah Kidz, Inc. He did this simply by showing his mother that her youngest son may have a diagnosed disability but that doesn't mean he doesn't have abilities!
Vertongie is a woman of great humility and expansive determination. She is a stroke survivor and parents a child with special needs. What others may see as set backs, Vertongie has turned into set ups for success. Parenting her son who has autism has taught her the importance of advocacy and has propelled her to work diligently to learn as much as she can in order to be the best support not only for her son but for all the children in her community.
Vertongie began her educational journey in Detroit Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration-Accounting, a Master's degree in Administration-Human Resources, and is currently working towards a 2nd Master's in Special Education with her eye on a Ph. D. in Behavioral Health. To say that she believes education is important in setting and achieving your goals would be an understatement.
To learn more about Vertongie's nonprofit and upcoming events check out:
Hezekiah Kidz, Inc
Autism Alliance
Friendship Circle