I am a new member but when could not afford my son's speech therapy they stepped in to help! We have been able to continue with the same therapist which we love. Without Children's Advancement Fund I don't know what we would have done! Thank you CAF for being there when our family needed a place to turn!
With the assistance of CAF, my child has been able to receive weekly therapy services and because of those services, is able to run and jump which she couldn't do a year ago. The services provided to her have even gotten her strong enough to ice-skate! We never thought we would get to that point.
Thank you CAF!!
I have attended a number of events to support this organization. It is truly an organization that helps children who may otherwise have challenges achieving success. This helps the children and gives them a better future. CAF is a winner and a tremendous asset for our community.
I have been involved with Children’s Advancement Fund for the past 4 years. This involvement has enriched my life merely by being part of this wonderful nonprofit organization. However, the most important enrichment is what Children’s Advancement Fund (CAF ) is providing. CAF provides funds for therapies (language, social skills and motor skills) to those in need of assistance. These therapies enable children to grow and develop to their full potential.
As a provider, I often receive phone calls from potential clients looking for services for their young children. Most often they are hopeful to use their health insurance benefits to cover the cost of therapy sessions; it can be very disheartening when you realize your insurance will not cover therapy session fees. Out of pocket costs can be prohibitive to families, but thanks to CAF, many families in CT are able to access much needed therapies for their children. It's a great feeling when I can tell a family "your insurance plan may not cover services, BUT I know a great organization that can help!"
CAF is a lifesaver!!!
I have 2 young ASD children, 4 and 6 years old, that have been served by CAF. Our family would have to stop needed therapy services without CAF's help. The guidance from the education for parents is so wonderful and accessible to busy parents.
It makes our family feel good about "giving" back when volunteering for events sponsored by CAF. It's the perfect nonprofit for families that need services like social skills for kids on the spectrum.
Audra Mae Talbot
I wouldn't know what to do with my twin sons who are on the spectrum if I didn't come across CAF. I was out of options, my sons no longer covered by insurance and I couldn't afford to pay for any programs out of pocket. CAF came to the rescue - helped my sons financially to participate in a program. Stephanie and Susan helped connect me with others programs I did not know about and as a results my sons are doing so well. They even held a summer job! Keeping up with their daily living tasks while working! For me that has been amazing. And it all began with CAF helping me when I needed it most. Thank you for being there when I thought I had no where to turn.
Amy
I am a the mother of 2 boys with autism. They are 4 and 6 years old. Unfortunately, our insurance does not cover OT or PT if autism is any part of the diagnosis. CAF has provided funding so that my 2 boys can receive the OT and PT that they need to make progress. I do not want to imagine where they would be without these services. My 4 year old is now able to go down a playground slide and sit on the swing. My 6 year old is now able to swing at the playground and play baseball. Thank you CAF for your help!
CAF has provided funding to the families who attend our social skills groups. Families who have worked with CAF all express their appreciations for the the support they receive, but especially the ease of the application process. Many families who try to seek funding find the process exhaustive and overwhelming, the supportive manner in which CAF provides their grants is invaluable. They make efforts to keep it simple for families to complete and maintain. As a provider, all of my interactions with CAF have been positive. They have a level of caring and understanding that is essential and appreciated. I cannot speak highly enough about the work they do and we are honored to partner with them.
Melissa Saunders
Executive Clinical Director
Creative Interventions
It has been an honor to be a member of the Board of Directors with the Children's Advancement Fund. It has provided me with an opportunity to "pay it forward" in gratitude for my family. The CAF community, formed through the vision and leadership of our Executive Director, Stephanie Bendiske Klewicki, is a partnership among providers, families receiving services, volunteers, and Board members. Our mission has included the provision of therapy services to children with language, motor, and social skills needs. CAF has funded approximately 1800 therapy services over four years, 270 social skills group sessions a year for 4 years, and 225 social skills groups a year for 3 years. These have been invaluable services to parents trying to meet the often multiple needs of their children. Our goal is to offer needed support so the children can grow to their full potential within family, school, community, social, and future employment settings.
Carol Nelson
I volunteered for CAF when I ran the Hartford Half Marathon when Team MAD chose CAF to be the beneficiary of their fundraiser that year. CAF does an excellent job providing funding for children who need therapy services that are not covered by their insurance or who have high deductibles or co-payments. The children can go to a variety of therapists throughout CT that have contracted with CAF. As a family physician, I frequently come across parents who are frustrated with limited services provided by the school systems for their children with special needs and are looking for other resources that they may otherwise not be able to afford. CAF is a unique organization that helps families with this service and funding gap.
Children's Advancement Fund is a great source of funding for those in need of assistance with paying for behavioral, occupational or speech therapy for their children. By helping children be the best they can be and showing them they can succeed, we all benefit.
As a volunteer of the BOD's of CAF I would like to encourage families to consider the options of CAF for a child with special needs ie. OT, PT, Language Development, Social integration, Autism, etc. It is designed for low income families without insurance or state aide. Thankyou, Elizabeth Luginbuhl