Siskin Children’s Institute is launching their annual donation drive with a goal of having one in six Chattanooga area residents donate $20 to support children with special needs, impacting the future for thousands of children in the community.
One in six children is diagnosed with a developmental delay or disability in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control. Thanks to Siskin founders, Mose and Garrison Siskin, families in the Chattanooga region have access to the highest quality programs and services to ensure children with special needs meet their full potential, said officials.
“We are grateful for Siskin Children’s Institute and the incredible programs they provide to families like mine,” said Kat Smith, parent of a child in the Siskin Early Learning Center. “We have so much hope for Reed’s future because of the tremendous progress he’s made in the last two years.”
Long-time supporters Emerson, Eddie, and Alisa Russell are leading the efforts, alongside many advocates, parents, and community leaders, to educate and engage the Chattanooga community and help families with special needs. “If one in six people in the Chattanooga region gave just $20, we’d more than reach our goal, allowing us to enhance programs and services and potentially create others to serve more children than ever before, “ said Eddie Russell.
Research shows that early intervention is key to ensuring children with special needs reach their full potential and that families have support throughout their journey, said officials.
A contribution will help …
Fund a needs-based scholarship program for low income families in the Chattanooga region to access SCI programs and services.
Provide materials needed to complete diagnostic testing and assessments for children with suspected developmental delays and disabilities.
Supplement programs by providing therapeutic learning resources such as assistive technology devices that make it easier for children with special needs to communicate and interact with peers and adults.
Support parents of children with special needs by providing hands-on parenting workshops and resources.
To make a donation and read the stories of some of the children that will be impacted, visit www.siskin.org/hope.
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