Making spirits bright for children and youth with complex needs and their families
November 27, 2023
It’s the time of year to believe in our power to make a difference for children and youth in our community.
It is 4x more expensive to raise a child with a disability.
Government funding covers partial costs for necessities such as wheelchairs, walkers and orthopedic braces, but other essential equipment such as porch lifts, transfer lifts for inside the home, bathroom equipment, van lifts and so much more are not. Families must rely on charities to assist with the cost of these items. With increased cost of living pressures, families simply cannot afford to purchase these essential items without help.
The impact on families is great and many parents and caregivers are physically lifting their older children up and down flights of stairs several times a day causing significant health issues and safety concerns.
Families also struggle with the day-to-day costs of items such as incontinence products, gas for out-of-town specialist appointments, medications and specialized formulas that are not covered by the government or most private insurance plans. This, in combination with rising food and shelter costs, means that many of our families are struggling to make ends meet.
Our Family Support Fund helps to relieve the pressures that families face while raising a child with a disability or complex needs.
The JMCC Family Support Fund launched in June of this year with the wonderful financial support of donors and with a generous grant from the Solcz Family Foundation. Since its launch, 30 families have accessed this fund.
“The support we received has helped our daughter get more independence. Her wheelchair ramp makes it a lot easier to get her in and out of the house. It has been a great help. Thank you so much for the support you have given to our family.”
The need is still very strong, and will continue to be as costs for specialized equipment continues to rise, along with the daily struggles of trying to make ends meet.
Your gift will help us deliver exceptional care and support for hundreds of children, youth and families across Windsor-Essex.
When thinking about this holiday season, please consider donating to our Family Support Fund.
From our family to yours, we wish you and yours a joyous and safe holiday season!
“The funding we received from JMCC was very much appreciated! It helped us to purchase custom splints that have really helped our daughter to function better at school and home. She feels stronger and more independent in certain tasks now!”
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