The Abridged version:
- Elisa Amezcua began hosting monthly walks for families in Natomas after seeing a need for community in her home neighborhood.
- Amezcua’s grandson, who lives with her, has autism and ADHD. The events, which started over the summer, have given her family and others a rare gathering space.
- Everything at the events is either donated or paid for by Amezcua out of pocket. She will be pausing the walks during the winter but continuing with indoor activities.
“Hi, my name is Elisa. Are you here for the community walk?”
Elisa Amezcua, with a headset, Minnie Mouse-eared headband and warm smile, greets each family meandering through the entrance to North Natomas Regional Park. This Sunday morning, in early October, is the chilliest setting so far for Amezcua’s monthly walks.
A few dozen people — parents and kids — end up joining to make the roughly mile-and-a-half loop. And while the fresh air and movement is nice, attendees said, there’s a special camaraderie that makes these events special.
Particularly for families that have had a hard time finding community.
Like Amezcua’s.
‘I couldn’t really find my way’
Thomas Perez, Amezcua’s 6-year-old grandson, has been in her care since he was 2. At age 4, he was diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
What followed was almost two years of isolation, Amezcua said. Aside from visits with nearby family members or quick trips out to eat, she and Thomas left the house very little. There were no friends to see, playdates to join or much in the way of kinship with other families.
“I was feeling lost,” she said. “I couldn’t really find my way.”
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Amezcua said she was overwhelmed, between navigating the legal guardianship process and finding services to help with Thomas’ disabilities. She started sitting in on caregiving workshops. Then, seminars and support groups.
Her involvement took Amezcua across the region, from Roseville to Folsom, South Sacramento to Rancho Cordova.
What was missing, she said, was a community in her home neighborhood of Natomas.
So, she built one.
One-woman show
The gatherings began over the summer with one table and mostly Amezcua’s family members. Now, there are booths from various local resource centers and a typical attendance of 30 to 40 people.
“She saw the need, and she filled that void and created the community, and people just came,” said Jlay Tor, executive director of Natomas Black Parents United, who has been there since the start.
October marked the fourth and final walk of the year, with colder weather on the way. However, Amezcua said there are plans for indoor get-togethers, including a parent brunch mixer Nov. 13 and a sensory playdate in South Sacramento Nov. 15.
Nearly everything at the events, from colorful sensory toys to fresh fruit and other snacks, is bought by Amezcua out of pocket. Aside from some donations from local businesses or other families — who Amezcua is quick to credit and thank profusely — she’s a one-woman show.
While Amezcua has named her effort Natomas Parents Community for Autism Acceptance Resources and Empowerment, or Natomas Parents C.A.A.R.E., there isn’t a nonprofit or official organization behind her.
“I’m just really passionate,” Amezcua said. “I really love Thomas.”
‘I’m not going anywhere’
At 6 years old, Amezcua’s grandson had never been invited to a birthday party. He received his first invitation from a family at one of the walks.
“That was pretty amazing,” Amezcua said through tears.
Jessica Swaney, a mom of two in Natomas, learned about the walking events through social media.
Pushing a stroller with both her sons, Swaney said she met other parents and local advocates who were able to offer guidance as she navigates difficulties with the special education process. Her oldest son, in second grade, has autism and difficulty communicating, and has had an individualized education program since starting school.
“We don’t come out often,” Swaney said.
“I think (parents) kind of have to help each other,” she added.
Amezcua has plans to expand her efforts beyond Natomas. She hopes to someday host a 5K event and start up regular parent advice sessions, she said.
“Sometimes parents just need a voice,” Amezcua said. “I’m not going anywhere.”
