This organization is a nonprofit whose mission is to enhance the lives of Alabamians with disabilities and their families. It is run by volunteer councils that include individuals with disabilities and their family members only. The help provided is very flexible and is governed by what the individual or family feels they need. Funding comes from donations, grants, contracts, and state funding through the Alabama Dept. of Mental Health.
My name is Jenny Oveson and I live in Mobile, AL. I was born with Spina Bifida, a birth defect in which a developing baby's spinal cord fails to develop properly, and Hydrocephalus, a neurological condition that exists when excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the ventricles inside the brain. Because of these disabilities, I use a power wheelchair and live with my parents. When I was born, my father made it his mission in life to better the lives of people with disabilities and our families. He achieved this when I was 6 years old the Director of Family Support.
Family Support is a source of help that is designed for Alabama's children or adults with developmental disabilities and their families, and Alabamians with Traumatic Brain Injury at any age. We envisions a day when every family receives the respect and support that will allow them to stay together, fully participate in community life, and share in the opportunities that can lead to a secure, quality lifestyle. We believe that people with disabilities and their families are best able to determine their own needs, and should be empowered to make decisions concerning necessary, desirable and appropriate services. Additionally, we believe that supports must be provided in ways that build on existing social networks and natural sources of support, that strengthen the capacity and the integrity of the family, and that can accommodate unique needs.
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My name is Jenny Oveson, I’m 28 years old, and I was born with Spina Bifida. I wanted to write you to tell you about an organization that has grown to mean so much to me. As a young child, I watched my father make it his mission in life to better the lives of people with disabilities and our families. He is achieving this as Director of Family Support. Family Support, the home of the Individual & Family Support program in south Alabama provides financial assistance for medical, dental, prescriptions, supplies, utilities, food, clothing, housing, holiday gifts, ramps, home modifications/repairs, transportation costs including auto repairs, conference expenses, summer camps, education, respite, recreation, etc. Also information, moral support and referrals may be provided to help families access other programs of assistance. Family Support works to enhance the lives of Alabamians with disabilities and their families. Their success is measured in the number of people they can help with the quality of programs and services they provide. These programs are fueled by our dedicated staff, caring volunteers, and generous donors.
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