Why ‘The Stratton ABC Foundation’?

Well ‘Stratton’ is my mothers family name and the side of the family that I have always identified with most and accredit my caring nature to.

Why ABC?–Presently working as a volunteer English teacher at a local village school I hope to include enhanced education as one of the features of the home, hence A B C, which fits nicely with our overall wish to give the children in our care  A Better Chance.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Before coming to Thailand, in 2006, I had spent 7 years working as a Carer/Support Worker, with Autistic Individuals. Four of those years were at a residential home for Autistic adults. The remaining time was spent working through a Care Agency , specialising in working with severe classic Autistic children.

It was during the latter period when the vocational aspect of the work I was doing really set in. Being able to help to keep these children happy and safe left me with a great deal of satisfaction and it was the first ‘job’ I ever truely enjoyed.

As succesful in my work as I was, the stresses of working with Autism are profound and after 7 years I needed a break.

Coming to Thailand, I instantly felt at home within the culture here and made the decision to settle here. After a year travelling to be sure I wanted to stay, I settled in Chiang Mai and ended up running a cafe /guest house for 2 years. Business, however, is not really in my heart.

Having helped out at an existing Childrens home in recent months, I was inspired to return to the sort of ‘work’  I loved so much and after much thought, decided to do my best to put my ‘Care’ experience to good use.

And so, with my friends, I am setting up this Foundation in order to offer more, much needed places, in a safe and nurturing environment.