A first child brings lots of excitement but can also bring worry when young parents suddenly have to deal with the responsibility of being moms and dads. Matthew Ayala’s parents thought he was doing okay until he was diagnosed with autism. Once they got over the initial surprise they found help through the Adair County School system and the WHAS Crusade for Children.

Since 1995, Adair County Schools have received more than one million dollars in Crusade grants. Those funds have given students like Matthew a way to satisfy their curiosity and build their futures.