PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR EVERY FAMILY MEMBER
Imagine a family. Picture bone-deep burdened parents, edgy siblings, and a child with special needs that aren’t being adequately met, despite the best efforts of the parents. Depleted, the parents share their struggles with their friends, and eventually one confidante mentions C.A.R.E.
“Have you tried C.A.R.E. for Special Children? It’s an amazing organization, they help children with special needs and their families. You have to check it out, it’s not like the other programs.”
The family walks in for their first appointment. They are greeted by a smiling face, kind words, and an intake process as warm as a dear friend’s hug. Here, they find compassion, empathy, a comprehensive list of government services that is clearly explained, an array of therapeutic modalities discussed at length, and a plan of action for the best special education and options for extra support in the classroom, mental health services and intervention, physical aid with daily activities, a community of families with struggles just like theirs, a year-round calendar of social events with other C.A.R.E. families that help everyone recharge and reconnect—and so much more. The real novelty with C.A.R.E. is that every family member will receive personalized support.
It begins to dawn on the family: we, all of us, are receiving care. Our needs are holistic, because the ramifications of raising a child with special needs are global—and this organization knows our struggle; this organization sees us. The options are explained. The information is documented and tailored to the needs of the family. And then C.A.R.E. proceeds with the next unique step: the organization provides everything.
C.A.R.E. does all of the initial legwork and then follows up to help the family integrate and fine-tune the solution package they create. The family doesn’t have to go chasing after in-network therapists, doesn’t have to drag through the lists of possible schools in which they may enroll their child, doesn’t have to worry about being alone to cope with the next family crisis or emergency situation. The whole family is addressed in a laser-focused, tailored manner that could only come from years of experience gifted by someone who has walked this path already—someone who knows your need because they lived it themselves—someone like C.A.R.E.
COVID-19
COVID-19—just thinking about it is triggering for many. School shutdowns, ZOOM, kids at home, work from home, All this conjures up an image of chaos and confusion.
For the typical family, adjusting to the new day-to-day was a struggle. Figuring out devices for every school aged child, headphones, quiet spaces, supplies, class schedules, a full day buffet of non-stop food. Now amplify that tremendously for families who have children with special needs.
These kids can not just sit in front of a screen independently and listen to a teacher go on and on about a topic. Some of them need constant supervision, hand-over-hand for the therapists on the screen, and strict schedules and structure to stay calm and happy. Something as simple as a wi-fi outage or a dead battery can send the child into a frenzy. The lack of the daily routine and outside help for many of these families was debilitating and draining.
And while the government agencies, nursing agencies, therapists and schools shut down—C.A.R.E. stayed open. C.A.R.E. made sure that moms had a place to call in this time of great need—a listening ear, someone to hear their issues and help troubleshoot problems that came up. When families needed support, guidance or a specific doctor or therapist, C.A.R.E. rose to the challenge and succeeded.
C.A.R.E. DAY 2021
On July 4th, C.A.R.E. held its annual event featuring a softball tournament, old timer’s game, barbecue, rides and games for the children.
The event was led by Abe Saka along with Raymond Esses and Morris Kassin. Hundreds of community members attended and showed their support to the organization while enjoying one of the most beautiful family days of the summer! Adults and children alike were entertained, inspired and connected, while learning about one of the most compelling community organizations in recent history — C.A.R.E. for Special children.
If you would like to volunteer or get involved with C.A.R.E. please contact them at 718.975.7171 or email info@careforspecial.org.
