Sitting in the Directors Chair, Christie Ingram talks about Grayson's Gift a non-profit organization that helps special needs children and their families...
Sitting in the Directors Chair, Christie Ingram talks about Grayson's Gift a non-profit organization that helps special needs children and their families. Christie feels by helping children and their families we build a stronger community. This is a community where everyone has the opportunity to feel connected, have a sense of belonging, and participate within the life of the community.
At one time Christie taught first grade at Daves Creek Elementary in Forsyth County. Knowing she wanted to do more she went back to college for her Special Education endorsement. She continued to teach in Forsyth in the special education program at Settles Bridge Elementary School. Soon, life changed once again for Christie when she became a Mother, she had a daughter with special needs. She knows first hand about the joys and hardships of raising a child with special needs as well as raising her other two children.
"Grayson's gift has been around for ten years. While at one time it was only a resource that helped children and families in Forsyth County, however, it
has expanded to Dawson and Hall counties. We do a lot of different activities for children and their families. We also provide scholarships for summer camps, adapted karate classes, soccer and purchase adaptive playground equipment to be placed in local schools. When parents seek information for help we provide information for other resources or connect them to other parents," Christie stated.
Some of the activities sponsored in the Forsyth community by Grayson's Gift are:
1. Movie Day - At Movies 400 - date in January to be announced
2. Super Kids Night - Chick-fil-A
The second Saturday each month from 5-7 p.m. The child and family eats free.
3. Focus Respite - Christ the King Lutheran Church time 10am - 2 pm
For respite dates and more information call Focus at 770-234-9111
The funding for these sponsored events comes from donors such as United Way, local churches, private families, and from Grayson's Gift only fundraiser, the Annual Golf Tournament. This year's tournament will be held on Monday, April 28, 2008 at Hampton Golf Village. If you are a golfer, save this date and come share in the fun, if you are not a golfer, but still want to help, they are looking for sponsors, donations for prizes and volunteers to work. For more information please, call 678-513-2911.
Christie closes by saying, "We hope to educate the community and remove the negative stereo types regarding children and adults with special needs. We truly hope the community will embrace our mission by positively influencing the lives of children with disabilities, supporting those people who educate, live with, and love children with disabilities."
This holiday season is a time of thanksgivings and love, so take a moment to share with Grayson's Gift. You can make a difference by giving your time or making a contribution to a worthy cause, to help children with disabilities and their families. To contact Grayson's Gift on line go to
www.graysons-gift.org.
