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A Swift Ascent In just five years, The Fearless Angel Project has evolved into a dynamic, impactful organization under the vision and determination of founder Izabela O’Brien. Committed to serving children on the autism spectrum, TFAP also supports scholarship recipients’ families and educates the broader community. Here, some of the accomplishments of which Izabela is most proud.
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Scholarship funding for licensed therapists and physicians is made available immediately, allowing children to begin or continue a program without delay. Most other financial awards take time to process, leaving children without the support they need until the monies are released.
International families with children on the autism spectrum are often shunned within their communities. Many travel to the U.S. to seek treatment and therapy. Welcoming all, TFAP has awarded scholarships to children from as far away as Nepal.
EXPEDIENCY Alina (center) with her sisters Ireland and Yvette by her side, placed gold in speedskating at the 2019 Special Olympics Connecticut winter state championships.
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INTENTIONAL EXPANSION Founded in Greenwich, TFAP has grown to serve children in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts, and plans to expand into New Jersey, Pennsylvania and various Midwestern states in the year ahead. By 2025, the organization hopes to be available in all fifty states.
WINGSPAN
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COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS TFAP fosters synergistic relationships with therapeutic and biomedical providers dedicated to improving the lives of special-needs children. Quite often, providers match TFAP scholarships, extending recipients’ services twofold.
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SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITIES TFAP families draw strength from one another. Through their shared experiences, parents gain confidence and esteem without fear of judgment or ridicule and often educate others unfamiliar with an autism diagnosis.
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The Fearless Angel Project Junior Ambassador Program fosters compassion and activism among youth, inspiring a new generation of philanthropists. School-age volunteers create their own fundraising events and frequently present scholarships to the recipients.
The O’Brien family: Dan, Ireland, Alina, Yvette and Izabela; (right) Alina with her ribbons at the 2019 Endeavor horse show in Bedford greenwichmag.com
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CONTRIBUTED
UNDERSTANDING & ACCEPTANCE