Family & Community Living Support

Against the Odds

May 3, 2012

     When Amanda was born with Down syndrome, doctors in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where her family lived, predicted a bleak future for the little girl. That was more than 30 years ago.      Amanda has been defying the expectations ever since.         “By the time she was 3 months old, she was receiving in-home therapy intended [...]

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A Mother’s Mission

April 4, 2012

 One thing Jenny Wade has learned from being the mother of a child with special needs is never under-estimate your own power. You might surprise yourself. That’s Jenny’s story. When Jenny and her husband, Darrin, chose a home water birth for their son, they didn’t anticipate any trouble. They had done the same thing for [...]

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A Chance to Belong

March 8, 2012

Ask Nathan what he likes about his job, and his response is typical for a young adult: Getting paid and meeting new people. But his answer goes deeper than that. For Nathan, being a part of the custodial staff at the University of Missouri is a chance to be “a part of the community,” something most [...]

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Building a Bright Future

February 14, 2012

      Jessica had dreams two years ago when she graduated from Southern Boone High School. She wanted to work in the community, volunteer at the Humane Society and live independently. The problem was Jessica had no idea how to make her dreams come true. Partnership for Hope changed that by providing the 22-year-old with the [...]

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Creating a Future Together

January 13, 2012

     If you want proof that early intervention can make all the difference for a child with a developmental disability and his family, you need look no further than 11-year-old Brayden.  He is a portrait of hope.                           Brayden, who lives in Boone County with his mom, step-father and 5-year-old sister, began receiving services from [...]

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Pedal Power

December 1, 2011

Maureen had little hope that volunteers last summer with Lose The Training Wheels could teach her son how to ride a two-wheel bike. She’s thrilled to admit she was wrong. In less than a week, 12-year-old James and other young people with developmental disabilities were pedaling across the parking lot of Christian Fellowship Church, mastering a skill that five days earlier [...]

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Alex’s Road to Independence

December 1, 2011

What Nancy wants for her 12-year-old son is what most parents want for their children – a happy life and independence. Alex is happy, but for him, reaching self-sufficiency will require a mix of education, therapies and family and community support. Alex, who has Cerebral Palsy and blindness, has been receiving services from Boone County Family [...]

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Miles’ Journey

December 1, 2011

After graduating from high school more than 25 years ago, Miles’ life became increasing isolated. He grew up in the Columbia area and received special education services through Columbia Public Schools. But when school ended so did most of Mile’s interactions with the community. He tried to find employment over the years but didn’t have [...]

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Adora’s Song

December 1, 2011

Tina was overwhelmed with her daughter’s diagnosis: Autism and a learning disability. She knew 5-year-old Adora needed help, but she didn’t know where to turn for assistance. That changed last year when the Jones family moved to Columbia and discovered Boone County Family Resources and he Columbia Public Schools Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program. With [...]

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