Fundraising for advocacy organizations, schools and recreation programs can be a community support project that educates and invites new volunteers to participate or just get to know our children and families.

Sometimes a large community steps up to support a program whose goals resonate with everyone involved. Other times, grant writers work long into the night trying to get every item required included in its own particular spot on a twenty page application.

Often, one individual takes on a project to raise money to show their support and appreciation of a program or organization that has made a tremendous positive difference to a child or in a family's life.

Are you concerned about an underserved or unserved group in your community? Military spouses raising children with disabilities may not have the neighborhood friendships or family support that many of us could not do without. Frequent moves may make it difficult for the children of the family to establish their own friendships, or to participate in school activities.

Newcomers who have relocated due to work transfers or to find jobs may have similar obstacles. Families with diverse cultural, ethnic or languages might not be aware support or opportunities are available for their children.

Whether your project raises twenty dollars or twenty thousand, remember to thank those who participated for their efforts as well as for their companionship. Spending time together, developing camaraderie, history and friendships, can improve everyone's quality of life and richness of experience.

If you are a leader or a dedicated worker behind the scenes, take a moment to remember your motivation and inspiration. What you do does make a difference, no matter how great your goal or how small your reward. Thank you for your creativity, hospitality, and patience. You are contributing more than you know to the well-being and joy of your community.

Stanford University Down Syndrome
Research and Treatment Foundation
Adopt A Mouse
http://www.adoptamouse.com/adopt.htm
Maybe local businesses would like to sponsor mice for your parent group to sell as a fundraiser, doubling the donation per mouse.
Read more about it at
http://dsresearch.stanford.edu

Support Parkview Services
http://www.parkviewservices.org
Housing, Home Ownership, and Recreation Programs for people with developmental disabilities and their families
http://www.parkviewservices.org

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Walk to Find a Cure for Diabetes
http://walk.jdrf.org
Insulin is a treatment, not a cure. Children with diabetes may need six shots a day for the rest of their lives, or until a cure is found

See what your donation could mean for a child through Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation
http://www.starlight-washington.org

Browsing or ordering Amazon.com Gift Certificates, Books or other products through this link helps support the Special Needs Children website



Starting a Parent Support Group
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art34523.asp

Advocating in Multicultural Communities
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art11304.asp

Down Syndrome Awareness
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art34845.asp

Disability Advocacy and Awareness
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art35878.asp

People First Language Sensitivity
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art14410.asp

People First Language Awareness
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art33981.asp