Sensory Bedroom Project Blog Post — For Little Monkeys Charity

On May 1, 2023 we announced our sensory bedroom project and were excited to team up with designer Rebecca from Maison Ellie Interiors, to fundraise and donate a sensory bedroom to a family with a neurodiverse child.

We had hopes of reaching our financial goal in August and unfortunately, didn’t reach that goal which was disheartening. Fundraising isn’t easy and takes a lot of time and patience which is why we are so grateful when generous donors come forward to support our mission. That’s what happened with this project - I was feeling defeated, had received multiple rejections from grants we had applied for and things took a turn when Alex Christopoulos reached out and graciously offered to fund the majority of the sensory bedroom project. We were ecstatic and opened up the application period.

Notifying the family that they were selected is such an exciting part of this job and I always look forward to it and get emotional myself. I remember being the mom who was once overwhelmed and exhausted with two children on the spectrum, wishing someone would just take the lead and guide me to help my boys. Notifying a family that we are going to transform a space in their home, to help their child develop new skills, to thrive and reach their full potential truly is a feeling like no other.

Once the selected family was notified, Rebecca and I were excited to get to work - We were in constant communication, brainstorming, liaising with the family and finding creative ways to complete the project on time and on budget. I was truly impressed by Rebecca’s organization skills and ability to run the project like a well-oiled machine. I had full faith that everything would work out and she was always so flexible, accommodating, reassuring and such a pleasure to work with.

We took the time to get to know sweet little R, his strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes and wanted to ensure the space would be conducive to his needs, to help transition him from co-sleeping with his parents to his own room that was functional, safe and a space that would help him decompress at the end of each day.

Given my experience with my boys, I knew a bunk bed with a cozy reading nook and a sensory swing were a must. Rebecca was so amazing and came up with two beautiful concept designs that were shared with the family - She created beautiful mood boards with calm, elegant palettes and accessories and a layout to maximize the space. After deliberating, the family selected their design choice and Rebecca ordered all the products and helped coordinate the trades and kept everyone apprised of next steps. I appreciated this as communication is key when there are so many moving parts (and people) involved.

Throughout the project, we received support from various businesses who graciously donated their time to help us with the project. Mery from Teampro Promotions helped us coordinate some of the trades work, Matt and Kevin from Drake and Co. Renos helped us with painting, electrical and handywork, my brother Raffi and husband Mike from For Little Monkeys™ Charity helped assemble all the furniture, Medet from The Six Handymen helped Rebecca on the installation day with the sensory swing and other elements in the room and Kayla from The Robins Nest donated her time to professionally photograph the room and the reveal.

We were also grateful to receive products from a number of businesses who helped bring the vision we had in mind for sweet R to life:

Savoiz Designs - Donated a sensory swing
Timberwood Designs - Donated the beautiful name sign
Cuddle & Kind - Donated a handmade doll
Lil North Co. - Donated a weighted blanket
Ourson Baby - Donated the play mat
Maude Kids Decor - Offered a discount on all their products that were purchased

The reveal is always the best part of these projects and we were soaking sweet little R’s reaction to every detail. He is such a gentle, sweet, loving boy and it was so heartwarming to see him explore and navigate through his new room. He gravitated to his name letters and the book shelf and was so sweet when we put him in the sensory swing for the first time. We can see him spending a lot of time reading and decompressing in his new bed and making sweet memories with his loving parents.

Leo and Lorenzo had an opportunity to see the space and meet R and that was another special moment for us all. It’s important for them to see how their fundraising efforts help other families and to experience the importance of service to others.

Thank you to Noor and Omar, R’s parents who were so kind, gracious and easy to work with. They were constantly checking in on anyone who was in the space, to offer them sweets and drinks and ensure they were well taken care of. When we donate these spaces to families, we truly don’t expect anything in return, but we always gain new connections and feel as though they become a part of our own family.

A big thank you to Rebecca who was instrumental in seamlessly bringing this project to life. She donated a lot of time to the project as well and we are truly grateful for her expertise, her professionalism and loving approach to such a special project. We look forward to working with her again in the future.

Finally, thank you again to Alex Christopoulos who was instrumental in funding the majority of the project and the reason why we were able to proceed with this project in earnest.

Lots of love,

Natalie Abkarian Cimini

President, For Little Monkeys™ Charity

“It’s easier to take than to give. It’s nobler to give than to take. The thrill of taking lasts a day. The thrill of giving lasts a lifetime.

- Joan Marques

Before and after reveal of R’s sensory room.

Music by Bensound.com

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