IMPACT STORIES
At Infinite Possibilities, every story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and community. Here, parents and family members share their most profound and moving experiences, revealing how our support, resources, and companionship have made a real difference in their lives and the lives of their loved ones on the autism spectrum. These stories, told from the heart, not only highlight the challenges faced but also celebrate the victories achieved, thanks to the strength and commitment of our community.
As you read these testimonials, we invite you to feel the connection, hope, and transformative impact that Infinite Possibilities has had on the lives of so many Latino families. Because when we support each other, we discover that, together, we can reach the infinite.
Parent Testimonials
"My name is Yolanda Cortés, and my son, Edwin Ortiz Cortés, is on the autism spectrum. Posibilidades Infinitas, with the help of Yovana Bustamante, taught me that autism is the special world my son and we have been given to live in. There are many goals to achieve, and he will be as successful as anyone else; there are no limits. On the contrary, he will accomplish everything he sets his mind to. Autism is a condition he will live with throughout his life, but it will not be an obstacle to achieving his dreams and fulfilling his goals. I am happy to be part of this wonderful support group at Posibilidades Infinitas, where every mother always has something wonderful to share about her son or daughter, and where we are special mothers with spectacular children."
Yolanda Cortés
📹 In this heartfelt video (in Spanish), our Executive Director, Yovana Bustamante, introduces four inspiring mothers from our Posibilidades Infinitas Family Support Group during the panel at the Community Health Fair: Autism and Wellness held on October 19, 2024. Each mother represents different areas of the Latinx Autism Community:
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Juliet Frey: representing Latinx autism families in the counties surrounding Philadelphia.
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Yowazi Malave: representing Latinx autism families in Northeast Philadelphia.
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Luz Maria Mendez: representing Latinx autism families in South Philadelphia.
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Maria "Zully" Zuleima: representing Latinx autism families in North Philadelphia.
This panel was an opportunity for these mothers to share their stories and experiences, strengthening unity and understanding in our community. Their courage and dedication are an inspiration to us all.
♾️💙❤️💚
Our Timeline
March 2020
The Birth of
Posibilidades Infinitas
During the pandemic, in March 2020, Yovana Bustamante and Alex Arroyo, along with their three children, Destiny Sky, John "JR," and Yoviely Isabella, gave life to Posibilidades Infinitas. With the purpose of creating a support group that would make a real difference in the lives of Latino families affected by the autism spectrum, they launched the Family Support Group via Zoom. This group not only brought together Latino families on the spectrum from Philadelphia and other areas of Pennsylvania, but also, thanks to technology, connected families from other countries. Since then, we have continued to meet faithfully on the first and third Thursdays of every month, providing a constant space for support. In May 2021, The Philadelphia Autism Project began funding the Family Support Group, allowing it to become a fundamental pillar for our community, providing resources and support from day one to the present.
July - August 2023
Official Recognition and Program Expansion
In July-August 2023, Posibilidades Infinitas achieved a significant milestone by being officially recognized by the state of Pennsylvania as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This recognition marked a crucial step forward in our ability to expand our impact within the community. During this period, we not only strengthened our Family Support Group but also launched a new program: the Family Support Partner (Coach), specifically designed to empower our Latino families on the spectrum in the Philadelphia area and its surroundings.
Additionally, during this time, we had already positively impacted over 75 Latino families on the spectrum, covering areas such as South Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, Kensington, Near Northeast Philadelphia, and more. This growth reflected not only our dedication but also the trust our community has placed in us. We also began to establish key partnerships with local organizations, allowing us to expand our resources and strengthen our presence in the community. Posibilidades Infinitas has solidified itself as a beacon of support and hope for Latino families on the spectrum, reaffirming our commitment to providing them with the tools needed to reach their full potential.
2024 and Beyond
Expansion and Future Projection
In 2024, Posibilidades Infinitas continues its path of expansion and strengthening within the Latino community in Philadelphia. At this point, we have established our presence not only through our core support programs but also by organizing community events that have left a lasting impact. Our Posibilidades Infinitas Holiday Party in December and the RAMble for the Poss in April, celebrated annually with the Philly Goat Project in honor of Autism Acceptance Month, are just a few examples of the events we will continue to host year after year to bring together and support our community.
Additionally, we have launched new programs, such as "Tendiendo Puentes: Empowering Latino Families in the Autism Spectrum," and others that are in development and pilot phases. These programs reflect our ongoing commitment to innovation and adaptability to meet the changing needs of Latino families on the autism spectrum. Posibilidades Infinitas has proven to be essential to the Philadelphia community. We have become a big family that provides the voice, advocacy, and empowerment that Latino families on the spectrum so greatly needed. Our work does not stop here; we are actively seeking more funding, sponsorships, and partnerships to continue serving our families with the quality and dedication they deserve. We firmly believe that our growth and expansion are just the beginning of an even greater impact that will extend beyond Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
Posibilidades Infinitas remains a beacon of hope and a model of resilience, and we are committed to continuing this journey alongside our community toward a future full of unlimited possibilities. We invite all those who share our mission to join us, whether through funding, sponsorships, or strategic partnerships, so that together, we can build a world where Latino families on the autism spectrum can reach their fullest potential.