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Thankful Together: Family Fun & Stress-Free Tips

This Thanksgiving, focus on gratitude, family, and balance. Keep routines like regular meal and sleep times to reduce stress, and encourage kids to express thanks through fun activities. Set up a quiet space for breaks and practice sharing and manners. Remember, it’s about quality time, not perfection—take care of yourself too! Family Gratitude Rituals: Start a tradition where each person shares what they’re thankful for before the meal. This promotes mindfulness and connection. Gratitude Crafts: Younger children can create thankful trees or cards to express gratitude creatively. Quiet Zones: Set up a calm space for children to take breaks if they feel overwhelmed. Role-Play Manners: Help children practice good manners and sharing before holiday gatherings. Outdoor Play: Encourage family walks or games to burn off energy and bond. Even just sitting on the porch can de-escalate a situation. Volunteer Together: Engage in charitable activities to teach kids about giving. Set

November 25, 2024

Felder Family mother father and three daughters stand by the river.

FELDER FAMILY OF LEXINGTON TO SERVE AS AMBASSADORS FOR BUDDY WALK 2024

Annual Event Honors Families who have a child with Down syndrome (COLUMBIA, SC, October 7, 2024)—The Felder family of Lexington is serving as Ambassadors for Family Connection of South Carolina’s Buddy Walk 2024. Buddy Walk is held in honor of families who have a child with Down syndrome. Funds raised through Buddy Walk help Family Connection provide services and resources to families across South Carolina who have a child with a disability or chronic health condition. Buddy Walk also supports the vision of the National Down Syndrome Society to help create a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities. Claire Felder is a rising fifth-grade student at Lake Murray Elementary School in Lexington. Reading is her strength academically and also a favorite activity outside the classroom. Whether she is

October 14, 2024

Hurricane Recovery Funds in SC

In South Carolina, the One SC Fund directs donations to local nonprofits that provide disaster relief and recovery, according to a spokesperson for Gov. Henry McMaster. The state’s Emergency Management Division also has information for people interested in volunteering, donating clothes or giving to food banks.

October 7, 2024

Kendra Scott to Host Give Back Event for Family Connection of South Carolina

(COLUMBIA, SC)—The Kendra Scott store, located at 4840 Forest Drive in Columbia, will be donating 20% of proceeds from sales in store and online on Friday, September 13, 2024 to Family Connection of South Carolina. Use code: GIVEBACK-HAQYY The theme of the day is “Intisar’s Favorite Things” in honor of Intisar Faulker, co-anchor with WIS-TV in Columbia. A highlight of the day’s event will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. when shoppers may visit with Intisar and Family Connection representatives, and enjoy sips, sweets, a raffle, and more. Online shoppers must use the giveback code “GIVEBACK-HAQYY” to ensure 20% of their purchase will be donated to Family Connection. Online purchases made on Friday, September 13, and Saturday, September 14 will qualify for the give-back event. Visit www.kendrascott.com. Family Connection’s Ambassadors, the Felder family, will also be at the store from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13. Claire Felder

September 6, 2024

Family Connection of South Carolina Announce Presenting Sponsors of Columbia Buddy Walk 2024!

(Columbia, SC)—Family Connection of South Carolina will host their annual Buddy Walk event on October 27th, 2024. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Buddy Walk in Columbia. Presenting sponsors for Buddy Walk 2024 will be Zinger’s Fencing and DentaQuest. The event will be held at Saluda Shoals Park at the athletic fields. Teams and individuals can register or donate to the event at www.familyconnectionsc.org/buddy-walk. Buddy Walk is held in honor of families who have a child with Down syndrome. Funds raised through Buddy Walk help Family Connection provide services and resources to families across South Carolina who have a child with a disability or chronic health condition. Buddy Walk also supports the vision of the National Down Syndrome Society to help create a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of

September 6, 2024

Youth Employment: A Foundation for Mental Health and Well-Being

A job can have a profound effect on someone’s well-being. A good job creates financial stability, can make a person feel more secure and help them plan for the future. A good job provides benefits and other supports to workers when they need them. And when workers have a voice and opportunities to learn and grow, good jobs promote a sense of belonging. That’s just one of the reasons that the Department of Labor wants to create not just any job but good jobs, and more pathways into those good jobs for young people. The department is committed to making sure everyone can get access to the support they need to live full and healthy lives. For young adults in particular, positive, safe, and age-appropriate workforce development and training programs – like internships, apprenticeships, and mentoring programs – can also be important access points to information and resources on supporting

August 6, 2024

IDEA and McKenney-Vento Laws: Rights and Resources for SC Families

Housing Instability and Education: Summits for Community-Serving Organizations

(COLUMBIA, SC)—Across South Carolina, there is an increasing number of families who are navigating raising a child with a disability while experiencing housing instability. Family Connection of South Carolina is hosting a series of summits for community-serving organizations and other professionals working with families who would like to learn more about rights and resources for students under several federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. “We know students experiencing homelessness and who have disabilities may face many educational barriers” states Amy Holbert, CEO of family Connection of South Carolina. “We also recognize community-serving organizations may be unaware of the array of supports available to these students. As we approach a new school year, we are working to promote collaboration and awareness among organizations and professionals to ensure families are aware of the services

June 25, 2024

SSI Information for families

A child who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may have been given Medicaid without parents having to submit a Medicaid application, for instance if the child spent time in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. If, for any reason, they are no longer eligible to receive SSI (often because the household exceeds current income limits), parents must apply for Medicaid coverage for their child. This includes TEFRA Medicaid coverage. The Social Security Administration (SSA) regularly sends information to SC Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) notifying them which SC residents are longer receiving SSI benefits. SCDHHS Healthy Connections Medicaid then sends out letters to those individuals letting them know they must apply for Medicaid, or their current benefits will end at a certain date. If you receive this letter for your child, you can apply several ways: Once SC Medicaid receives the application, your benefits will remain open until the

June 10, 2024

ID/RD & MCC Waiver Amendments

Download the official PDFs for details. The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice that it intends to submit a 1915 (c) home and community-based waiver amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to add attendant care as a self-directed service to the Medically Complex Children (MCC) (SC.0675) waiver program. The addition of the service to the waiver would allow qualifying family members, including parents of minor children, of participants enrolled in the MCC waiver to be the attendant/paid caregiver of the service. Attendants will be subject to the guidelines outlined in the waiver policy. The target date for submission of this waiver action to CMS is on or after Oct. 1, 2024. Implementation of this new service is subject to approval by CMS. Download to learn more. The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) intends to submit a 1915(c)

May 30, 2024