WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News LeaderLynn Haven Autism Center Closing

The Lynn Haven Autism education center says it's closing its doors after three years.

A planned rally to protest statewide budget cuts, failed to attract the support it needed from family members.

Director Helen Ezell says it's not the lack of community support--rather it is the lack of parental support at a series of events meant to raise money for the center that pushed her over the limit.

"You know, if I can love these kids and fight for them, I don't know why the families can't," said Ezell.

Gray skies set the mood for Helen Ezell's broken heart. Posters meant to give a voice to the silent...now lying on the ground.

Only five parents showed up today to save the center.

"The lack of interest today tells me there's only so much fighting I can do...three years...we've been doing this for three years. That just makes me so angry that we've been wasting our time. So tomorrow, we shut our doors," Ezell said.

It's not that she doesn't care about the kids, she says. Thursday's event was complete with posters and ribbons raising awareness about autism education and the fact that they need funding, but she also said that it takes support to keep a program like this going. It's something she's not sure she really has.

"We can't be there for all these kids, the parents have to step up...they have to step up and fight for these kids," added Ezell.

And those parents that did show say they are ready for a fight. They say they are in shock at the apathy towards a program that means so much to their children...

"This is for our children. If we don't stand up and fight for our child, who's going to do it?" said parent Gwen Rosemann.

"They're really just getting started on what they can do...their potential...and here it is, the doors may close...and it's devastating," added parent, Ashley Warriner.

Those parents say they are hoping for a change in attitude from other parents at the center. Meanwhile, Ezell says she has no choice. Their doors closed at 5pm Thursday until further notice.