Families with a disabled child are getting more support thanks to a $90,000 donation to the John McGivney Children's Centre in Windsor.
"It can cost up to four times more to raise a child with a disability," said Director of Client Services Jennifer Jovanovski. "And for children with more complex care needs, many parents are forced to limit the amount of time they work."
On top of that, many children with disabilities need expensive equipment that is either not covered or only partially covered by government funding. While private insurance could cover some of the cost, not all families have access.
The donation from the Solcz Family Foundation will help. The investment over the next three years is for the centre's Family Support Fund.
"This program is going to make a huge difference for our families," said JMCC Board President Ken Kapustiak. "The Family Support Fund will help with short-term, urgent needs, easing the financial hardships of caring for a child or youth with disabilities."
The fund will do more than help buy equipment. It will also provide families with help paying some out-of-pocket and unexpected expenses while driving children to medical appointments or surgeries out of town.
The cost of fuel, hotel rooms, food, and specialized care adds up quickly, as do expenses for over-the-counter pain medication, dietary supplements, incontinence products, and customized clothing.
Families struggle to find appropriate recreational programming for their child, and "there are few charities that cover recreational programs, so kids with disabilities often lack opportunities to participate in programs that help them make friends, that challenge them, and help them build confidence," added Jovanovski.
"If we can help ease the financial stress faced by families of children with complex needs, or make their lives even just a bit easier in some way, then we know we're part of something important," said Foundation Executive Director Kyrsten Solcz.
The centre provides rehabilitation and support services to more than 3,000 children and youth each year with physical, neurological, and developmental needs.