The creation of the Laura Foundation for Autism & Epilepsy came with the passing of Laura Mahoney in 2008. Her grandson suffers from both epilepsy and autism, and she knew how devastating these disorders are on the afflicted individuals and their loved-ones. Her family wished to keep her memory alive, and they did so through this foundation, an organization that is building an adaptive sports and recreation facility in Madison, NH to be utilized by individuals like her grandson.
Construction at the Laura Center includes the completion of Phase 1 with a riding ring for therapeutic horseback-riding and the expansion/winterization of an existing building. Phase 2 will be finished by the summer 2017. It includes a multi-purpose barn with indoor court, climbing wall, and two horse stalls. Phase 3 is next and includes building a bike path.
Laura’s daughter-in-law, Amy Mahoney, is one of the organization’s founders, and she’s the Executive Director, “Without the generosity of our community, these cost free programs for those in need wouldn’t exist. There are so many organizations to thank… the Ham Foundation, the Kiwanis Club, the Conway Area Lions Club and businesses like Hannaford. Then, there are the individuals who have donated time and money. They’ve made this happen.”
Mahoney continues, “A lot has been accomplished in nine years. The Mahoney family, the past and present Laura Foundation Board of Directors, and our amazing volunteers hope to take the Laura Foundation model and become a resource and opportunity for duplication across our region.”
The Laura Foundation has also created cost-free programs for individuals with autism, epilepsy, and other disabilities. Most programs at the growing center integrate life skills, social skills training, and adaptive PE. The first program began in 2012 for elementary school-aged children. In 2014, initiatives began for teens, and in 2017, activities commenced for adults.
Upcoming events continue to support the goals of the foundation. For a complete list of events and additional information, please visit www.thelaurafoundation.org or email laurafoundation@gmail.com
