Support network for families with disabled children needs help from community

A local nonprofit organization is looking for help from the community to better educate and equip children who have special needs and their families.

Family Connections, a support network for families who have children with disabilities, was founded by parents in 1990 to help thousands of children reach their potential. By providing parent-to parent networking, programs and other information the organization has been able to succeed in its goal of giving these families as normal a life as possible.

The siblings of children with special needs are not left out either, being able to create friendships with others in a similar situation at a Kid Connection workshop.

But the work comes at a cost, with items rapidly becoming outdated or unable to be used.

"We have a goal of providing the best services possible to give families the best chance to deal with their relative's condition," said Lisa Anderson, Family Connection area coordinator for Spartanburg and Cherokee counties . "The work we do is to make life a little easier for families. To do so we must have certain items not only to perform these services, but also to show the work that we are doing."

At the top of Family Connections' wish list is a laptop computer and LCD projector. These items will primarily be used to showcase the work the organization does with families and presentations at civic clubs, doctors' offices and schools.

"The laptop and LCD projector will give those in the community a clear picture of what we want to accomplish - such as a child's face as he shares his Christmas list with Santa or families sharing encouragement and support with another family," Anderson said. "By showing these images, we put a face on the issues families deal with every day."

Other needs of the organization include learning tools such as Legos, crayons, washable markers, art paper and toys for volunteer programs that give parents a break from in-home care. For new families with children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Family Connections provides blankets, small photo albums, stuffed animals, disposable animals and gift cards.

If you'd like more information or want to make a donation, call 864-585-5462.