New Voices accomplishes this by helping school professionals--offering training, setting up a model assessment classroom, providing scholarships to teachers, and recognizing individuals who exemplify outstanding work with children with severe disabilities. I recently reviewed a movie they were involved with--Certain Proof in which special challenges these children experience were clearly illustrated, sometimes in stark detail. New Voices is a beacon of hope for the kids, parents, and professionals---the organization operates frugally with very little overhead costs but needs funding to continue to provide services and support to staff and children in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area.
Sandy McMillan, a co-founder and board chair has outlined the needs and written an eloquent appeal below. After reading the letter, you may wish to make a donation here.
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Dear Supporter,
New Voices is making a difference because of YOU. With your help, we are improving the lives of
families of children who cannot speak and struggle to move. Through our programs, we are changing the perceptions
and expectations for these underestimated children by providing the specialized
training needed for those working with them and recognizing excellence across
the region. As one of our Lara Jane Parker winners said, we are “Changing the
mindset….kids shouldn’t have to “earn” inclusion.”
Here are some specific examples of what we have accomplished
over the past year:
- Funded a model assessment classroom in a Durham elementary school.
- Provided scholarships to school professionals to attend trainings and conferences.
- Recognized nine school professionals for excellence at the Lara Jane Parker Award ceremonies.
- Participated in an assistive technology resource fair in Durham County.
- Raised awareness through viewings of the documentary, Certain Proof, to future doctors from UNC Medical School and Orange County Public Schools staff.
- Participated in the Wake County Special Education Advisory Council.
I met a speech language pathologist at the Lara Jane Parker
awards ceremony and we struck up a conversation about training
opportunities. She told me that there
was a summer training being held in Michigan
that she had been trying to attend for years.
Although it’s out-of-state, it would only cost the registration fee
because she would combine it with her vacation and stay with family. I wish all of you could have seen the look on
her face when I told her that New Voices would pay the registration fee for her
to attend provided she shared what she learned with her colleagues. Thank you for enabling New Voices to help her
learn the latest techniques for working with students who can’t tell you what
they know.
At New Voices, we are passionate about what we do and want
you to share our passion. What we do, we
do well, but there is so much more to do!
Please consider making a tax deductible gift to NewVoices. There are so many kids waiting
for their time to speak. Let’s give them
a voice.
Sincerely,
Sandy McMillan
New Voices Board Chair
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You can make a donation by clicking on this link
or sending a check of any amount to:
68 T.W. Alexander Drive
PO Box 12343
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2343
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of children.
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