Bonnie Horne Selects AFN

Filament Essential Services is dedicated to giving back to the community through our SOCIAL (Supporting Our Communities’ Initiatives At Large) program. Through SOCIAL, Filament employees are encouraged to volunteer their time and unique skills to benefit eligible organizations. SOCIAL also sponsors a variety of charitable opportunities, including company-organized charity events, financial donations, non-monetary donations and other gifts.

Cathy Martinez & Bonnie Horne

Through her participation in SOCIAL, Bonnie Horne was asked to select the local nonprofit who would receive our annual $500 donation. Bonnie’s choice was the Autism Family Network.

“Learning that our son was on the autism spectrum was incredibly difficult for our family,” Bonnie admits. “Along with autism, he was also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Peer Anxiety at the age of eight. He struggled behaviorally in school. My husband and I realized that simply loving our son was not enough. We needed help to provide him with the support he required. Finding the appropriate medical care, psychologist, and psychiatrist was key to helping him. He learned how to advocate for himself, and that has made a world of difference for him as he transitions into adulthood. Although every day has its challenges, he is certainly winning in life. He has successfully graduated from Lincoln Pius X High School and is currently attending Southeast Community College working toward a degree in Computer Information Technology. He also works part-time at Dairy Queen where he has been for nearly two years.”

The Autism Family Network is an incredible organization that provides assistance to more than 1,000 children annually in the Lincoln area. Families with children on the spectrum struggle. There are tears, feelings of inadequacy, and frustration. Bonnie agrees, “AFN understands. They offer programs that provide opportunities for children on the autism spectrum to shine – and that is vitally important to these kids. Whether it’s through music, art, fishing, swimming, or equine therapy, seeing the joy on the face of your child absolutely melts your heart.”

The Autism Family Network provides support to and advocates for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. They are dedicated to providing social opportunities, recreational experiences, and community inclusion. They also promote a positive respectful image of people with autism and their families. Programs and opportunities they provide include: