Real Stories

The Impact of Special Needs Small Grants in 2005

• Mom had three young children – all with no car seats. Interpreter purchased a seat for one child and found a donated seat for the other child. Special Needs Grant funds went to fund remaining car seat.
  Total Amount spent - $49.99
• Mom has a baby and a two-year-old, must take medically fragile baby out of town for appointments/therapy and 2-year-old interferes with mom’s ability to focus on baby’s needs. Special Needs Grant funds provided respite care for 2 year old. The baby is making progress, mom’s stress level is reduced and she is able to provide better medical care for baby and have healthier interactions with 2-year-old.
  Total Amount spent - $290
• Client could not get to medical appointments. Special Needs Grants fund went to purchase transportation voucher to medical appointments.
  Total Amount spent - $30.00
• Client has gum disease and has not been able to buy toothbrush and with a broken down car has had no transportation. Special Needs Grant funds purchased an electric toothbrush for the client and the provider commented long-range improvement of gum disease is expected.
  Total Amount spent - $50.00
• Very needy young woman with a kidney infection while pregnant and had to have an ER visit. Special Needs Grant funds went to pay a portion of the ER visit.
  Total Amount spent - $250.00
• Child with a feeding tube, parents were not able to keep the child safe while feeding. Special Needs Grant funds purchased crib, supplies, Orajel and new feeding tube. This improved the safety and nutrition of the child and relieved the stress of its young parents.
  Total Amount spent - $127.73