(Columbia, SC, January 20, 2021)—For 30 years, Family Connection of South Carolina has been changing lives by making connections, raising awareness, and promoting inclusion for children and youth with disabilities and specialized healthcare needs. The organization offers programs and services to ensure that parents, professionals, and caregivers have access to programs and resources to help children reach their full potential.

“Since 1990, Family Connection has served more than 100,000 families. Our work focuses on five areas: parent support, healthcare, education, training, and advocacy said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection. “Today, our services are needed more than ever, and all programs and services are provided at no cost to families.”

To continue serving more families throughout South Carolina, Family Connection is seeking professionals to join a Volunteer Leadership Committee for their LOOK! and Buddy Walk fundraising events. Both events are held in the greater-Columbia area.

LOOK! is a photography exhibit featuring photos of children and youth with a disability. Professional photographers volunteer to host photo shoots capturing candid moments of the child doing things they like to do best. The photos are unveiled as a collection at an opening-night ceremony. The exhibit remains on display at the featured venue. The intent of LOOK! is to showcase the beauty and unique abilities of the participants and to help people see disability in a different way. LOOK! is planned for June 2021.

Buddy Walk is part of our recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Each year during October, family and corporate teams raise awareness and funds online. Family Connection celebrates their efforts and recognizes “Special Buddies” and top fundraising teams and individuals during a festival-like, family-friendly walk, and awards ceremony. Buddy Walk 2021 is planned for early November 2021.

A variety of volunteer leadership positions are available, and descriptions are available at www.familyconnectionsc.org/volunteer.  All positions can be fulfilled virtually during the pandemic.

“Through these volunteer service roles, committee members have the opportunity to improve leadership skills, build professional relationships with other leaders, and further the work of Family Connection of South Carolina so ultimately, more families of a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need can connect with resources and services to help their children thrive” said Jacki Garbinsky, Marketing and Events Manager for Family Connection of South Carolina.

For more information, contact Ms. Garbinsky at 803-995-1413 or [email protected], or visit www.familyconnectionsc.org/volunteer.

Families or professionals can make a referral or find more information about Family Connection’s programs and services by calling 1-800-578-8750 or 1-888-808-7462 for Spanish speaking callers, or by sending an inquiry to [email protected]

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