Special to the Reporter

Lindsey Yocum of Redmond was filled with strength as she spoke about her son Porter, 3, at Kindering’s annual graduation ceremony Aug. 13 in Bellevue. A total of 725 3-year-olds graduated from the award-winning Early Intervention Program.

When parents first arrive at Kindering, they often feel like they are the only people in the world experiencing the trials of raising a child with special needs, according to a press release. And indeed, they may have a child who has a syndrome so rare that it doesn’t even have a name. However, these families quickly discover that Kindering is a place that brings families hope, joy and a sense of community.

Like Yocum, parents discover that Kindering teachers and therapists are committed to helping each child reach his or her greatest potential and that Kindering is a place that supports the whole family, the release said.

Yocum spoke about how her son’s physical therapists and staff helped support the whole family.

“Two years ago, I entered the doors of Kindering. Little did I know that during the next two and a half years, my family’s experience with this organization would help prepare me for the road ahead. Through the support of the therapists, educators and staff, I slowly recognized that I’m not alone, that my family is not alone, on this journey.”

She added: “Our Kindering family became our biggest advocates. Not only did they help Porter grow by leaps and bounds, but they helped my older son, Colton, bond with his younger brother. They helped me become a better mother to both my children and showed me the importance of taking time for myself and my husband. They showed me I wasn’t alone.”

This year, Kindering celebrated the largest graduating class to date, thanks, in large part, to the center’s ability to serve more children and their families in the newly expanded second campus in Bothell. Since opening doors to the second campus in 2014, Kindering has experienced a 25 percent increase in early intervention enrollment and now serves east King County through Renton and south Snohomish County.

In closing, Yocum expressed the feelings of so many parents in the room when she stated: “Everyone raising children has felt alone at some point. My feelings have come from knowing that I’m on a path that is different and more difficult than expected. I’ve now realized that this is a path traveled by many. I’m not alone. No one is alone. Going forward, I would like to thank everyone at Kindering, my mommy friends, and the numerous community members for all of their support.”