Through our 501 C3, “Putting Families First” 20 year effort to strengthen families, a large population of special needs’ families emerged, who had the same need for support, and services, for their loved ones.
As a result, we organized a branch of special needs’ families, and titled the branch, Company of Champions. “Champions” has grown, incredibly, as more and more families join us, for friendship, connections, and services.
Each of these special needs’ families, care for a family member with disabilities. Many of the family members have developmental disabilities (Autism, Down Syndrome, CP. etc.), traumatic brain injury, physical disabilities, or suffer from an age related condition.
Because these individuals are living longer, their parents and caregivers are older, and have several things in come. They have fixed incomes and they care for their loved one full time. Some are exhausted, from the years of advocating and caring for their loved ones. Most look for ongoing resources.
A number of the families have babies, and some have adults, both requiring round the clock care. Many of the adults, moved home, after living in state facilities or nursing homes, choosing instead, to self direct their services. Some are non verbal, physically or emotionally needy, and cannot live independently.
Within a short time, this amazing group of families, “Champions”, developed.
Due to tremendous growth, and need, Company of Champions’ support group has expanded to multiple activities annually. During 2018, Company of Champions served over 9000 individuals (babies to adults) with disabilities and their families. The group’s highlight of the year is now Bingo. At Bingo, the special needs’ individuals, and their families, or staff, play Bingo, at no cost, winning gifts, ranging from food to bedding, clothing, and toys.
Bingo Night also includes a dinner, drawings, and special prizes, for each Bingo player. Sometimes, the players arrive at 4 for a 6:30 activity. No matter how early the players arrive, Bingo is an evening of happiness, hope, camaraderie, and love. Company of Champions’ families are growing lasting friendships.
During 2018, Company of Champions added supplemental programs for the individuals and their families including, Petunia’s Baskets, Kelsey’s Retreat, Champions’ Scholarship Fund, the Breakfast Connection, Emergency Preparedness, and specialized Financial Security and Protection. If you want to connect to a strong, resilient, extraordinary group of families, join Champions, today!
