June is CPR/AED Awareness Month! This month, we’re highlighting a 2020 AED recipient to share their story of how Living for Zachary’s AED Donation Program impacted their organization for the better.
Organization: 29 Acres
Location: Cross Roads, TX
We sat down with Anna Urban, Development Director at 29 Acres, to learn about the organization’s mission and how a brand new AED from Living for Zachary has allowed them to better serve the community.
Please tell us about 29 Acres and who you serve.
Founded in 2015, 29 Acres addresses the growing need for autism support services in North Texas. Our mission is to ensure that people living with autism have community and a safe place to live where opportunity and happiness are the standard. 29 Acres fills an enormous need in North Texas by providing quality support services and safe housing for neurodiverse young adults.
Our evidence-based programs include:
* Neurodiverse Housing Community (onsite housing for adults with ASD entering adulthood)
* Transition Academy (prepares young adults with autism for independent living)
* Employment and Workforce Services (career readiness and employment)
* Summer Transition Experience (career exploration and summer activities for high schoolers)
* Enrich 29 (life skills-building in a day service format)
How did you hear about Living for Zachary’s AED Donation Program?
I have known about Living for Zachary and the life saving mission of this amazing organization, since my work at Oak Hill Academy, many years ago.
What prompted your decision to apply for an AED?
29 Acres’ was lacking an AED and since we serve over 100 clients per year, and they and their families are on our campus at all times of the day, we were in desperate need of this life saving device. AEDs save lives, period, and we want to provide the best care we can to our amazing adults with autism, their families, our staff, and anyone that visits.
What was the application process like?
The process was amazingly easy. BIG thank you and profound kudos to the Living for Zachary team who walked us through the application process, training and installation.
What does having an AED on campus mean for you, your students, faculty and staff?
We are a relatively new organization, founded in 2015, up and running just a few years ago, and our housing component started last fall. Having an AED on campus means the next step of excellent care we are providing to our community. We feel honored that Living for Zachary deemed us worthy enough to be a recipient.
How has 29 Acres been changed by this AED donation?
We have a sense of relief, knowing that if anything happens we are prepared, trained, and ready to administer the life saving device and techniques that Living for Zachary has provided us. It is empowering to know we can be counted on to help if the need arises.
If you could say one thing to other organizations in need of an AED, what would it be?
Get an AED, now. Do not be the organization that makes the decision after a tragedy, thwart that possibility immediately and get, and continue to receive training on the proper use. You or your team could save lives.
You can learn more about 29 Acres and its mission by clicking here.