Look no further than our award winner Hoang to find a young man with a big heart, big dreams and big-time motivation & drive. Hoang, 26, currently works with a job coach to find a job he loves. With his previous experience, joy for work and people, and the MacBook Pro and laptop backpack from The Eric Fund, Hoang should have no problem finding a great fit.

Hoang, who has Down syndrome and lives in Northern Virginia, graduated last year from an inclusive program at a major university designed to give students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a full college experience – complete with academics, employment, residential living and community participation. While at college, Hoang interned for several semesters on Capitol Hill with his local congressperson and also worked at an office at his university. He also worked in hospitality and retail. Hoang enjoyed all of his work opportunities, but has a passion for working in an office or in sports. His new computer from The Eric Fund should help him on his way.

“I’ll use my computer for future work and emails,” Hoang says. “I’ll also use it for my resume and job search tasks, meetings, typing and writing.”

Hoang also plans to use his computer for his continued participation in a reading and literacy program, to communicate with friends and family, and to pursue his interests online. Hoang is an athlete who loves to play basketball, football, volleyball, swimming and bowling and also participates in Special Olympics. He is an avid wrestling fan and also enjoys dancing, watching movies, playing piano and is also learning American Sign Language (ASL). We wish Hoang the best of luck as he pursues all of his interests and career goals. We are honored to award him the laptop to help him on his way.

For Alonzo, the iPad Pro and protective case purchased for him by The Eric Fund, will be a game changer for his socialization and future employment.

Alonzo, 38, who has cerebral palsy and other disabilities, lives in Northern Virginia with his parents. When stores and services shuttered during the pandemic, Alonzo was unable to continue working at a local retail store. The lack of employment and socialization from his job and with friends and family impacted him greatly.

With most of his siblings living away from home, the iPad will help Alonzo maintain important

connections with friends and family that are so vital to his well-being. Alonzo will also use the iPad to continue to read, write and draw, which he enjoys.

In addition to forging important connections with loved ones, Alonzo can use his iPad to help him obtain and maintain employment and improve job skills. The Eric Fund is thrilled to provide the iPad Pro to Alonzo to help him continue to advance his independence, connect with loved ones and further expand his world, especially during these challenging times.

Matthew, a previous Eric Fund award winner from Northern Virginia who is on the autism spectrum, uses the iPad Mini and special communication app we purchased for him in 2015 as his voice device as he does not communicate verbally. While the previous iPad Mini expanded Matthew’s world and helped him communicate more easily at school and at home, the device unfortunately broke and he needs another.

Now 17 years old, Matthew relies on his iPad Mini to communicate and the device has become an integral part of his life. With the incredible progress Matthew made with the previous equipment, The Eric Fund is thrilled to help him continue growing, learning and communicating by purchasing a new iPad Mini and protective case for him. In addition to enjoying his iPad, Matthew looks forward to using it while also enjoying some of his other favorite activities such as playing baseball on his baseball team, playing floor hockey in Special Olympics, and going out to eat.