Conversations with Jenny Gray

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Gray.

Hi Jenny, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have a 37 year old son with cerebral palsy. When he was about 4 years old, i quit my job to be available for all his therapies and needed interactions with teachers and support staff. In doing so, I gained a greater understanding of how to best help him. Upon graduation from High School, he announced that he wanted to go to college. The biggest challenge with that is the fact that he can only read at about a third grade level, due to the cerebral palsy. That didn’t stop him. With the support of a nonprofit that supports adults with disabilities in independent living,CAPC Inc., he was able to attend Fullerton College and earn his AA. From there he moved on to Cal State Fullerton, where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Child and Adolescent Studies. After graduating, I received many congratulations. I explained that he was the fearless one…. I was just his mom. I was told time and time again that it was because of my belief in him, he was able to accomplish his goal. I asked my son what it was that i did to give him such belief in himself. After several long conversations, we agreed that what helped us both was the support from others whenever we weren’t sure. He reminded me of several specific moments where we were a bit lost, and there was someone there to give us guidance and help. At that moment, we decided that we needed to pay that forward. Again, with support and guidance from many friends and family, we created Collaborative Action & Unity in Education, CAUSE. We decided to be the guidance and support for parents of Special Needs Children like the kind we received.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We were off at a great start with the support of the East Whittier City School District. I worked in this district as a Paraeducator for 22 years, in Special Ed classrooms. Then the pandemic hit, and like the rest of the world, ours came to a screeching halt. After a day on the Zoom screen, assisting their children in the Zoom classroom, the last thing moms or dads wanted to do was attend another Zoom meeting. When the schools opened again in Fall of 2021 with regular schedules, we were able to resume bigger and better!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As I mentioned, I was a Paraeducator for 22 years. While my son was in his elementary school, I worked side by side many of his teachers, helping them learn that he was an auditory learner. I often modified his work for him in a way that enabled him to be independent. As he was moving on to Middle School, the Principal of the elementary school asked me if i wanted a job. The following Fall, I started my journey of education in the world of Special Needs classrooms. I have the opportunity to works with some amazing teachers that taught me about the many other diagnosis of Special Needs Students, never realizing me it was preparing me for my future! I am extremely proud of the skills I honed while working as a Paraeducator. I was often given the most difficult student, or 3-4 students at a time, because the teacher relied on my ability to handle either situation.
I was honored by the East Whittier City School District with the Key to the District in 2024. I retired as Paraeducator in Spring 2024.
Another experience that really helped create who I am today was when my son was very involved with Challenger Little league. So of course, my husband and I became involved as well. My son started when he was 4 years old. By the time he was 8 years old, my husband was the coach of the team, and I was the Team Mom. Part of that meant I had to interact with each player, getting them ready to hit the ball when it was their turn, etc. It was also my job to interact with the parents. Again, little did I realize this was preparing me for my future!
I’ve never been afraid to take on a challenge. I have no problem speaking in front of groups.
As CAUSE Director, I have created a wonderful group of moms that support each other fiercely as they travel their journey through Special Needs parenting.
One of the best payoffs, is when I see a mom in need requesting help on our group thread, and so many moms responding with advice, a resource, or just a plain “YAY”!

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am always willing to hear from someone who thinks they have something of value to offer my parents, either in the way of a resource or advice.

We have two fundraisers a year.
our Bowling BeeNanza is in the Spring. This year, May 17th. We host dinner and two hours of bowling as well as a spectacular Silent Auction. Tickets are $60 for adults and $25 for Children 12 & under.
In the Fall we create a team of walkers and runners who raise money while they run in the Whittier Spooktacular 5k.

We have several sponsorship oppotunities, all are presented on our website: spedcause.org
Or people can email me at [email protected]

Pricing:

• $5000 Donation Name on shirts at both fundraisers, Free participants, year long website acknowledgement, monthly acknowledgement on social media
• $3000 Donation Name on shirts at both fundraisers, free participants, 6 months of acknowledgment on website, acknowledgment on social media 6 times through the year
• $2000 Donation Name on all fundraiser shirts, free participants, one time acknowledgment on website, acknowledgment on social media during the month of fundraiser
• $1000 Donation Name on shirts for one fundraiser, one time acknowledgement on website, acknowledgment on social media during month of fundraiser

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Spedcause.org
• Instagram: @spedcause
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/spedcause