“As you have done it unto the least of my brethren, ye have done it unto me”.  Matthew 25:40

That scripture is the guiding principle for the Pervis Jackson Foundation. Why did we start the foundation? The answer is to help children with  any handicap, not just autism. We are talking about inner-city, lower income children. Not all, but most. These are the children that we do not see because of their conditions and income. I feel that it is my duty, my responsibility and my privilege to try to help these children.

We are having our annual fundraiser on Friday April 10 at the Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle. It will be from 6 to 10 p.m. and tickets have to be purchased in advance. You can get tickets by contacting me at jacksonclaudreen@sbcglobal.net. The price is $60.00.  If you want to come but can not afford it, let me know and we may be able to help.  We would love to see you there. It is a privilege to have the Detroit Yacht Club offered to us for our fundraiser.

My problem is that I need help to help these children, which is why fundraisers are necessary.  Though I am not good at fundraising, I have discovered that there are a lot of people who want to help others. Bless you all who have helped with your attendance and your donations  and I hope that you give yourself credit for helping the less fortunate. For helping someone who really needs your help.

I also do this because my mentor, Pervis Jackson Sr. wanted to help children like our son, He pushed and prodded me to write “Inspired By Autism” and to start the Pervis Foundation. Of course, I was supposed to have his help in these endeavors. We had no idea that he would not be around to see any of this. He felt that as a public figure, it was his duty to make a contribution where it was most needed. Trouble is, I am not a public figure, so it has been more difficult than I anticipated.

The Pervis Foundation is having a financial setback, but we are committed to keeping the foundation going and to continue helping others. I know first-hand how important it is for lower income children to have some of the support that children of higher income have. I know first hand the obstacles and struggles that parents face, whatever the income. I’ve been there and survived to tell about it.

I want to include a poem that I have written about our children. I included it before, but it bears repeating. It is also among the poems in “Inspired By Autism”.

“Special “Special” Kid”              (With thanks to Rogers and Hart)

You are my little special child, my funny valentine. / An accident of Providence, or are you by design?

It matters not the answer, for you are here with me. / That you’re not like the other kids is mighty plain to see.

But you are a worthy person, who has come a long. long way. / Helping you has helped me grow to where I am today.

There’s something I must tell you, though the words are nothing new. / They’ve been sung so many times. I say them now to you.

“Is your figure less than Greek? Is your mouth a little weak? / When you open it to speak, are you smart?

Though other folks may think you odd, you’re my favorite work of art. / My funny little valentine, you’ve slipped into my heart.

Until next time; May the Power of God protect you; May the Love of God enfold you.

Claudreen Jackson