Savannah’s Kicklighter Resource Center Gets Mini Grant From United Way of the Coastal Empire
Savannah, Georgia- Kicklighter Resource Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with autism and other developmental and physical disabilities, announced it had been awarded the 2024 Women United Transportation Fund Mini-Grant from the United Way of the Coastal Empire.
Aiding the Community Through Transportation Solutions
The grant comes as part of United Way’s Women Who Rule fundraiser, an annual event held in March to generate funds for residents in the region who are in need of reliable transportation. United Way’s Women United Transportation Fund aims to connect the members of the community with dependable means of transport for them to get to work, school, medical appointments, and other essential resources like food, and job training.
This fund provides commodities such as gas cards and bus passes, and even covers minor car repairs to certify consistent transport for the residents. More than eliminating transportation barriers in the community, these aids serve as essential tools to keep daily routines unhampered and income streams undeterred.
Addressing Immediate Needs
As per the Kicklighter Resource Center Executive Director, Stacey Davis, “This mini-grant will allow our infant classroom teacher to have a necessary car repair, that will ensure her safe travels from Hinesville to Savannah, to care for our littlest learners. Teachers are pivotal to the success of our learning center, and this grant will significantly alleviate the financial hardship related to the car repair.”
Ms. Davis further expressed her gratitude towards United Way of the Coastal Empire for continually backing the learning objectives of the Kicklighter Resource Center and their admiration for the Women Who Rule Transportation Fund’s initiatives.
Benefit for the Funding Recipients
One of the recipients of the micro-grant, an infant care teacher at the Kicklighter Resource Center, known as Ms. Dee, shared her gratitude for the help provided. She expressed, “As a teacher, you spend most of your time and resources creating a positive learning experience for your students. Receiving this microgrant takes away my worries about whether I’ll be able to safely commute to work every day.”
About Kicklighter Resource Center
Founded in 1951, the Kicklighter Resource Center was born out of the initiative of five parents whose children were not receiving school services. It initially started as a one-room school at Forsyth Park, but now it has grown into an institution providing education to children with developmental disabilities while advocating for them in the community. The organization’s commitment is rooted in improving the quality of life of children and adults with autism and other developmental and physical disabilities through advocacy, community awareness, familial support, and direct programs.
Community Support Fundamentally Crucial
The financial support from organizations like the United Way of the Coastal Empire plays a pivotal role in the continuation of these programs and services provided by entities like the Kicklighter Resource Center. The alleviation of financial burdens opens up more room for the Center to focus solely on their core mission, allowing them to extend their reach and better serve their beneficiaries.
This grant showcases how community effort and financial aid can come together to make a significant impact on supporting non-profit organizations committed to social causes and leading to the betterment of society in various aspects.
