In 2008, Laurus Foundation was very fortunate to establish a number of great relationships with outstanding service organizations and other non-profits to further our mission of advancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.

We look forward to growing the foundation and these wonderful relationships in 2009. To read more about our partners and the work of the foundation, please visit our partners section.

Partner Profile
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining our mental, emotion and physical well-being. It is especially critical for those living with a disability. We are proud to be partnering with Sueson Vess, Founder and President of Special Eats (www.specialeats.com).

Sueson Vess is a food writer, cookbook author, and self-described “Food Coach.” Sueson is also the founder and President of Special Eats, the highly successful organization that provides solutions to the challenges of healthy eating, cooking, and shopping for individuals with special dietary needs.

Sueson has been a featured speaker at a number of professional conferences and is a regular contributor for Living Without magazine. In addition, Special Eats offers three support groups in the Chicagoland area with over 700 members.

Special Eats focuses on helping individuals with multiple food intolerances, celiac disease, wheat/gluten sensitivity, and other special needs diets. Roughly, 75% of the Special Eats individual clients are parents of children with autism or ADD who are referred by their doctor.
“After parents receive a diagnosis, they wonder ‘What does this mean in my daily life? How do I prepare these foods without becoming a short-order cook at home?’ I provide diet consultations offering parents meal planning tools, resources, substitute ingredients, and recipes.”

Sueson’s research began when she was diagnosed with celiac disease, and also learned that she was dairy and soy intolerant. After gathering information for herself and with a culinary background, she decided to share her findings and recipes by authoring a cookbook. Since then, doctors and other healthcare professionals have been seeking her expertise for their patients.

“The key is more than just a special diet that is gluten and dairy free,” she explains. “People can do that and still have an unhealthy diet. It is essential to create a diet that is nutrient-dense while you replace foods with healthy and good-tasting alternatives.”

Sueson advises all parents not to be afraid of cooking. “Keep it simple,” she says. “Food is so critical, and you are already cooking and eating. The most basic therapy for children is eating healthy.”

Sueson is ‘coaching’ two of our Partner organizations who provide food services to the individuals with disabilities whom they serve, Helping Hand in Countryside and the O School in Chicago.

We are proud to count Sueson as one of our ‘special’ Partners in Progress. Sueson is not only a good friend to Laurus Foundation, she is a phenomenal chef. Check out her website for more nutrition information and outstanding, nutrient-dense recipes … great for the whole family! (www.specialeats.com)