March 7, 2025, Colorado Springs, CO –  Special Kids Special Families is proud to announce that it has been awarded $30,000 as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) 2024 Priority Impact Cycle Quality of Life grants. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,990 grants totaling $46 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0006-04).

The Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center has several grants under the Quality of Life program awarding grants in different category areas, varying in different amounts. The Priority Impact grants program funds organizations to support a wide range of projects and activities that will impact individuals living with paralysis and their families.

“These awards are about restoring independence to our constituents,” said Dan McNeal, Director of the Quality of Life Grants Program, Reeve Foundation. “Our work and number one goal are to enhance the quality of life of people living with paralysis. It is our honor to continue to collaborate with so many dedicated organizations, which have selflessly given their time and efforts to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity remain embedded in the fabric of their programs.”

Special Kids Special Families will use the funds to expand respite offerings for adults with disabilities on the weekends, giving parents and caregivers time to spend together and do things like running errands, which many who don’t have loved ones with a disability, especially paralysis, take for granted.

“Significant funding to provide quality of life supports like respite care are truly priceless,” said Executive Director, Kevin Porter. “Services like Provider Night Out are not covered by Medicaid or other funding sources, creating a significant gap in support for families. Additionally, this program is open to those who are not on the disability waiver and may be paying out of pocket, making it accessible to a broader range of families who likely cannot afford such services but equally need them.”

About the Reeve Foundation:

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. By uniting the brightest minds in the field, we are working tirelessly to accelerate scientific discoveries across the field of spinal cord research by investing in labs across the globe. Additionally, through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, well-being, and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources, and referral services assisting over 100,000 individuals and families since its launch in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community’s voices and needs to achieve greater representation and independence. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB’s Charity Seal.  For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.

About Special Kids Special Families:

Special Kids Special Families (SKSF) is a non-profit umbrella organization with several unique services and programs designed to support people with disabilities of all ages from early childhood through senior adult as well as their families and caregivers.  For over 25 years, SKSF has been honored to serve clients and support their caregivers and families.  Steadily over the years, SKSF has grown to more than 60+ dedicated staff, 16 vehicles providing rides to essential appointments, offering more than 10 dynamic and wide-ranging critical services, and serving more than 500+ amazing clients annually!  One thing that has remained constant is their long-lasting commitment to making this the best community in the nation for individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers by offering high-quality, compassionate, wraparound care.

SKSF offers programs for individuals with disabilities serving families without discrimination including all ethnicities, ages and situations. Services include:

• Child and Family Services that encompasses Zach’s Place child and respite care center, in addition to Foster and Adoption Care services;
• Adult and Senior Services offering day programs and Host Home opportunities for adults and seniors with disabilities;
• Support and Empowerment Services offers a range of assistance including transportation, therapeutic gardening program, QMAP classes, home care services, veteran and military support, partnership with Special Olympics, and Behavioral Health Services offering counseling and specialized therapy to individuals ages 4 to adulthood.

If you are interested in making an impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities, or someone you know could benefit from their services, reach out to SKSF.  For more information about SKSF programs and available job opportunities call (719) 447-8983 or visit www.SKSFcolorado.org.