• Endorsements for the Writings/Work of the Founders
• Endorsements from Our Clients

• Raun K. Kaufman
• Barry Neil Kaufman
• Samahria Lyte Kaufman
• Bryn N. Hogan

• Who We Are
• Why I Give
• Thank You for Giving
• Ways YOU Can Give
• Walk Around The World
• Fundraiser News

"When I was informed that my son was 'autistic', all of my hopes and dreams for the future were shattered within seconds. I felt so desperate and depressed. I couldn't find anyone to help our son or us. I had never felt so scared in all of my life. Finding The Son-Rise Program® and The Option Institute was the miracle that changed our lives forever. We have never felt happier and more empowered as a family than we do now. I felt so compelled, as if I found my 'purpose' in life, to give the same opportunity to other families.

Not only have we personally donated to The Son-Rise Program®, we participated in the Walk Around The World and raised over $31, 000. Why do I feel such incredible love and gratitude toward the Son-Rise and The Option Institute staff? Not only have they given us the tools to drastically help our son in ways never thought possible, they have helped my husband and me learn to live the kind of life that most people dream about. For this reason, I feel dedicated not only to help our amazing children; the parents deserve to have a lifetime of happiness as well.

I don't know any other place in the world that cares so deeply for the parents as well as their children. It is a miracle how one place can turn desperation and depression into 'gold.' I am stronger and more empowered than ever before. I will make it my life's mission to help other parents experience what I have been so blessed to receive."
 — Nicole Schumacher, Son-Rise Mom, Ohio

"I discovered the Option Institute eight years ago at a time in my life when I was suffering through severe anxiety and the related ills of debilitating TMJ pain and months of insomnia. At first I read the books-Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues then to To Love Is To Be Happy With. By the time I finished Happiness is a Choice I was able to stop the anti-anxiety herbs I had been taking and the jaw pain and sleepless nights never came back. Wow!

So then I attended a one week program, then another. Then I became a Son-Rise Program® volunteer for Sean, who was a profoundly autistic and six years old at the time. We have both come so far since those early sessions in the playroom. He's quite a remarkable, formerly autistic, young man now. Three more programs, including the eight week Grand Summer Sequence (formerly Living the Dream), round out my Option resume.

So why do I financially support the Option Institute? I can think of no better concrete example of expressing my profound gratitude. They do amazing work. They help amazing people make amazing changes in their lives. Blessings upon blessings upon blessings"
 — Bob Kleszics, Business Owner, Pennsylvania

"In my charitable giving, I strive to make my donations count. I want to know that my money is helping special needs children transform their lives and accomplish what others say is impossible. And The Son-Rise Program® is all about that. How do I know?

At sixteen months of age, my own son was diagnosed with autism, and everything I read in the popular autism books indicated that his condition was incurable. Then I came to The Option Institute, and they told me something else. After a year-long program utilizing the principles I learned in The Son-Rise Program®, my son is no longer considered autistic.

That's why I give every penny I can to The Option Institute. Because I'm grateful, yes, but also because there are so many parents of special needs kids who, without the aid of a scholarship, won't have the chance to give their little boy or girl the miracle I was able to give mine."
 — Erik Linthorst, Son-Rise Dad & Screen Writer, California