Funding the COVID gap in for 4,000+ families

This year our goal is $40,000.00 to fund the COVID gap in lost funds for program/service for the 4,000 children and families that we serve.

$25.00 provides a week of nutritious meals to a child living in poverty.

$50.00 provides 25 books to children in poverty.

$100. 00 provides developmental screenings to identify disabilities early in a child's life.

$500.00 provides assistive technology to children with special needs.

$1,000.00 provides a year of autism therapies.

$2,500. provides a year of therapies and medicines for medically fragile children.

Assistive Technology and Medical Services:

In her first 10 months of life, Gabby had 92 medical appointments, and before she was 18 months, she had 2 surgeries to receive cochlear implants in both of her ears.  For the past 4-years, Easterseals North Georgia has helped Gabby and her family receive the medical care, speech therapies, and personal attention that she needs to thrive.  

Autism Services:

“I just want to give other parents hope. Early intervention is so important. As soon as you see signs of a developmental issue, ask your pediatrician.” – Maria, Christina’s mom

Christina’s pediatrician referred her to ESNG’s early intervention program when she was two years old. At that point, she could not communicate nor participate in reciprocal play. 

An evaluation showed that Christina had a sensory disorder, speech, and developmental delays. A team of therapists realized that Christina would most benefit from special instruction. 

At just over two years old, Christina began weekly therapy sessions with Susan at Christina’s house. Susan first helped Christina communicate using sign language and later progressed to words and sentences! Susan also helped Christina’s mom, Maria. “Having Susan come to our house-made a huge difference in Christina’s growth. She was comfortable, and I was able to see what they were doing,” Maria said. 

Christina’s developmental growth was profound. After only eight months in the program, Christina is speaking in simple sentences, can play with her siblings, comprehend and follow instructions. Now, at three years old, she attends a half-day preschool with typically developing children. She can play with and talk to them. 

Maria realized that early intervention is key to helping her daughter reaching her goals. She wants other parents to know that a diagnosis is not the end – it’s the beginning. “It’s going to get better if you learn how to act and how to help your child,” she said. 

Champions program:

On behalf of Macie and her family, we would like to give you an update on the last few months. Macie recently attended a tube weaning program. The program helps her transition from 100% tube dependent down to 30%-40%, while 60%-70% of nutrition is taken orally. Her oral intake consists of ~60% nutrition based liquids (i.e. Neocate, soy drinks, juice) and other easy-to-swallow foods (soy yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, noodles, etc). The plan to gradually increase oral intake throughout the next 6-12 months or until Macie can 100% supplement all her nutrition by mouth. Macie has a history of milk allergy since birth, and while trying to introduce milk-based nutrition drinks during the tube weaning program began having reactions. It is critical to her weaning program that she gets nutritional liquids to help her succeed. We found an alternative product that will help her avoid allergic reactions; Neocate Splash. Each box of Neocate Splash consists of 27 units at a cost of $147 per box. She requires a minimum of 1 box per month. She will also require 2 boxes (12 cans) of PediaSmart Soy per month to manage her remaining tube nutrition. This will cost an additional $125 per month. Her total monthly nutritional needs per month are $1500.

Macie has been progressing tremendously with help from various feeding specialists. The support from Easterseals North Georgia is a great help.