Give2Empower 2025

[Lively music playing]

Peter >>>> Hello, my name is Peter An. I’m a Korean American artist. It’s hard for me to remember people’s names, but it’s easy for me to remember the names of animals.

Theresa >>>> Peter has autism and had a hard to making eye contact.

Peter >>>> I don’t remember, but my mom says that I couldn’t sit still for more than five minutes.

Theresa >>>> He was sensitive to loud noise and refused to do things he didn’t like. His behavior was difficult. Peter slowly got better. He is a healthy and amazing adult now. When Peter was around seven years old, his grand, a godmother gave him 2,000 sheets of drawing paper for a Christmas gift. I set up a low table on the floor and put the paper on it. Peter would walk back and forth and making random pen marks on 20-30 sheets a day, and then is tossing them away. I thought it was such a waste. Then one day is when I was close to using up all 2000 sheet, I saw some incredible. Peter was sitting at the desk and holding the paper down and with one hand some some drawing, using others.

Peter >>>> When I started drawing, it was so much fun. I like to create drawings and paintings using animals and animal patterns. I really enjoy drawing dinosaurs and Disney characters. Drawing makes me happy and helps me grow my imagination.

Theresa >>>> As you can see, our house is filled with his drawing, and Peter is the happiest when he is drawing.

Peter received the Family Support Fund from BDI. He takes part of the Orchestra Soop program.

[Flute Playing] He learns to play musical instrument and actively participate as a member of the orchestra.

[Piano Playing] Additionally, he attends the school in The Soop and Shine community during a week. He engages in activities such as art, music, physical activity, and communications skills too. Peter is still waiting to receive the Medicaid waiver. We are working through the process with my caseworker right now.

We are hopeful that he will be able to receive it within this year. I truly believe that Peter is who he is today thanks to the support of BDI. Without your help, Peter wouldn’t be where he is now or be the artist he is today. I’m incredibly grateful to BDI for recognizing and appreciating Peter’s work.

Peter >>>> I was so proud my mom told me my work could help someone with my art. I was so happy to do something good.