Photo courtesy Blessed Be Hope for ThrHope for Three aims to raise awareness and support for children living with autism and their families.
When their triplets were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, Hope and Eric Montgomery of Richmond struggled to get insurance companies to cover all the therapies and services their daughters needed. Seeing the family's difficulties inspired their good friend, Darla Farmer, to find a way to help the Montgomerys and other Fort Bend County families in a similar situation. So in April 2011, she founded Blessed Be Hope for Three.
Hope for Three is the only nonprofit in Fort Bend County focusing exclusively on autism spectrum disorders. They assist the families of children with various autism spectrum disorders by providing financial assistance, social support and community engagement programs.
Raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder is expensive, and insurance companies often do not provide adequate coverage, Farmer said. Weekly therapies and services for a child with an autism spectrum disorder can cost $600–$800, Farmer said. Many of these therapies have a social, behavioral or educational aspect and are not considered medically necessary by insurance companies. When a Fort Bend County family is approved for financial assistance, Hope for Three pays the provider directly.
