A Mother’s Journey of Hope, Faith, and Growth: Rita’s Story

Rita’s story is one shaped by love, resilience, and the quiet power of community. As the mother of three sons, two of whom — Michael (26) and Nicholas (24) — have moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Rita has navigated a path many parents of children with developmental disabilities know well: filled with questions, hopes, setbacks, and small but powerful victories.

Her journey with EchoingU began a few years ago when all three of her boys attended a summer camp. Rita had first learned about EchoingU at a special education fair hosted at Sinclair Community College. Something about the program stood out to her immediately. “We felt EchoingU offered the type of education and training that was truly transitional and focused on individual strengths and interests, rather than the typical day program group curriculum,” she recalls. That insight, paired with what she witnessed during the summer camp, made the decision clear: this was the place where her sons could thrive.

And thrive they have. Over time, both Michael and Nicholas have grown in meaningful ways. “Their communication skills, coping skills, and self-help abilities have all improved,” Rita says with a proud smile. “They’re more confident and independent now. They take initiative — helping with chores, asking for directions, managing their emotions. The progress is very noticeable.”

For Rita, seeing her sons blossom in such an environment is deeply fulfilling. “It makes me very happy and proud to see my children thrive in a place that is supportive and safe,” she says. “Our biggest hope is that our sons will learn how to function well enough in most environments, so they can support themselves to the best of their abilities. The staff at EchoingU provides the structure and support they need to achieve those goals.”

But Rita’s story isn’t just one of maternal love and advocacy — it is also a story of faith. A devoted member of her Greek Orthodox church, Rita pours her time and energy into many roles: she co-directs the Greek school, assists with the choir and chant stand, and lends her talents to everything from the Christmas program to the church festival. “It’s the least I can do to show my gratitude,” she says. “It brings me great joy to serve in any capacity.”

“Our faith has grown stronger over the years, especially after the boys’ diagnoses,” she says. “It helped us appreciate the small victories.”

The church community welcomed her family from the very beginning. Michael and Nicholas attended Catechism and Greek school, participated in Christmas programs, and became familiar faces in the community. “Our church is our second family,” she says, “and we feel immensely blessed to be part of such a caring, kind-hearted, and selfless group of people.”

That deep gratitude came full circle this spring, when the Ladies Philoptochos Society of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Dayton chose EchoingU as the sole beneficiary of its 2025 Mother’s Day Annual Charity Luncheon — raising $12,000 in one afternoon.

Philoptochos, the philanthropic heart of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, exists to serve those in need — materially, emotionally, and spiritually. The Dayton chapter, part of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit, has long been a beacon of service in the community. From addressing issues like homelessness and abuse to supporting institutions of the Church, their mission is rooted in compassion and action.

While the annual luncheon typically supports multiple causes, this year the choice was unanimous.

“We usually divide proceeds between two organizations,” said Nikki Burns, President of the Dayton Chapter. “This year, we were moved to give it all to EchoingU because Rita and her sons are so special to us. Their journey has touched our hearts.”

Held at the Presidential Banquet Center on May 10, 2025, the event welcomed a record 308 attendees and was praised for its warmth, professionalism, and sense of community. Guests shared how much they love coming “because there’s such support, love, and friendliness” from the Philoptochos members — not to mention the flawless coordination and exceptional auction items, which are the core of the fundraiser.

For Rita, the gesture was both humbling and powerful.

“When I recommended EchoingU, one of Echoing Hills’ programs, it was the obvious choice,” she says. “But I was overwhelmed to learn they would be the sole recipient. I’m incredibly touched — and so proud to belong to a church family that embraces and uplifts each other.”

This partnership between EchoingU and Philoptochos is more than a donation. It’s a reflection of how faith, community, and love can come together to make lasting change. And, how one family’s journey can inspire many.

Rita’s story is one of love, faith, and determination. A powerful reminder of what’s possible when families are surrounded by the right support, at the right time.

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From the Sidelines to the Center: How EchoingU Empowers Growth — and How One Church Helped Expand the Mission

At EchoingU of Southwest Ohio, growth isn’t just a goal — it’s a daily reality. Just ask Program Director Chris Sester, who has had the privilege of watching two brothers, Michael and Nicholas, evolve in ways that once seemed unimaginable.

“There was a time when the guys would leave class just to avoid participating,” Chris recalls. “They didn’t understand what was going on, or simply didn’t want to engage — and now they’re active participants. They respond well to staff, engage with peers, and even read aloud in class.”

But it’s more than skill-building. It’s belonging.

“Watching them go from sitting in the corner, avoiding eye contact, to becoming individuals whom peers seek out — that’s been an incredibly rewarding journey for me and my staff,” Chris says.

That kind of transformation doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes a community — and recently, EchoingU received a powerful reminder of just how much their work matters.

This Spring, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Dayton’s Philoptochos Society selected EchoingU as the sole beneficiary of its Mother’s Day Charity Luncheon, raising $12,000 in support of the organization’s mission.

For Ray Schmidt, Chief Program Officer of Echoing Hills, the donation was not only generous, but symbolic of something even greater.

“One of the major strengths of EchoingU is its visibility,” Ray said. “The church’s gift is a great example of how people in the community want to help — they just need to see where their help is needed. Rita and Nikki, both members of the organization, have personal connections to our work, and they were better advocates than anything we could have presented.” In addition to Nicholas and Michael being in the EchoingU program, Nikki’s sister, Mary Ann, was a resident at Echoing Valley for over 15 years.

Ray recalls the moment when Rita, the mother of Michael and Nicholas, gave an impromptu speech at the check presentation. “It was straight from the heart. How could anything be better than that?”

The impact of that gift is already being felt — especially with the expansion of employment services at EchoingU.

“With this generous donation, we’ll be able to purchase laptops and adaptive technologies for individuals who are visually or hearing impaired,” said David King, Southwest Ohio Regional Director. “Now, we’re truly able to support all individuals — regardless of ability — as they find meaningful employment aligned with their passions.”

From improving independent living skills to building inclusive job pathways, EchoingU continues to evolve — just like its students.

And thanks to the heartfelt support of a church that chose to invest in inclusion, that evolution is just getting started.