As this year comes to a close, we'd like to take the time to talk about the things we have accomplished in 2023! This was a big year for us, as it was our first complete fiscal year as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Thank you to the generous sponsors, partners, donors, volunteers and community who make this all possible!
March 2023- SCSNC recognized three distinguished educators for their work in special education and their school district awards.
March 20, 2023- We partnered with The Arc and Sumner County Schools for a Family Engagement night at Liberty Creek High School. We got to introduce families to what we do and learn from The Arc about special education.
March 31, 2023- President Lorraine Looney was interviewed by Renee Tuninetti from ParkBench. You can see the interview here.
April 7, 2023- We attended the Friends of Gallatin Miracle Park's VIP Easter Egg Hunt and provided the VIP's with a sensory space for them to decompress and regulate during this busy and exciting event.
April 2023- SCSNC was awarded a local community grant from Walmart for providing sensory spaces at local festivals to promote inclusion for all.
April 22, 2023- SCSNC was one of many agencies present at the Hendersonville Library for their Autism Awareness Event. We talked to families about local advocacy and resources.
April 29, 2023- We attended Gallatin's SquareFest. We provided a sensory space for the purpose of making the festival accessible to more people and we met many families and were able to share about local resources.
May 2023- We held a Special Education Party Giveaway. Hundreds of voters cast their vote for their favorite special education team, and Rucker Stewart Middle School was the winner. We presented their SPED team with a special party in honor of their hard work and dedication- they certainly earned it!
July 9, 2023- We partnered with First Baptist Hendersonville to present special needs families with an Ice Cream Social at Mary's Magical Place. The rain came but didn't dampen our spirits.
August 19, 2023- SCSNC partnered with the Special Needs Sports Foundation, Project 22, Mary's Magical Place, and Hendersonville Parks and Recreation to plan the first annual Regional Special Needs Expo. With more than 25 agencies present and over 300 attendees, this event helped families and caregivers learn about their rights and local resources. We provided a sensory room for anyone who needed a sensory break.
August 2023- Thanks to the Tennessee Titans, we were able to give away preseason Titans tickets to some lucky fans who were either special needs families or special education staff.
September 15, 2023- SCSNC was featured in Stay Positive News about our Lift Up Sumner Fundraiser. You can read the article here.
October 14, 2023- Happy Hollow Wellness generously hosted a unique fundraier. At Lift Up Sumner, participants deadlifted for charity. Our very own Vice President Ali Ford lifted a whopping 375 pounds! Thank you to the community for helping us as we advocate for families,
October 26, 2023- SCSNC attended Gallatin High School's Special Needs Trunk or Treat presented by the HOSA club. We were so happy to hand out candy and meet families!
November 4th- SCSNC presented our first ever Town Hall style Forum. The topic was "Autism & Schooling." We had four expert speakers who gave us great information then were on our expert panel so attendees could get their questions answered.
December 16, 2023- SCSNC sponsored a craft table at the Friends of Gallatin Miracle Park's Breakfast with Santa. We loved helping our friends make their unique crafts!
As you can see, 2023 was something special! We close out the year with grateful hearts and look forward to 2024. Next year, we'll be taking on a few new projects, including providing adaptive clothing to students in need and conducting school board candidate interviews for voter education. It takes many volunteers and donors to make this all possible. If you'd like to donate, click the donate button at the top of the page. If you'd like to volunteer in any capacity, email us at: sumnercountyspecialneeds@gmail.com.
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