NEWS

Family Connection of South Carolina Welcomes Ashley Abbott to Board of Directors

(Columbia, SC)—Family Connection of South Carolina is pleased to welcome Ashley Abbott to their board of directors. Family Connection provides resources and services to South Carolina families who have a child with a disability or chronic health condition. Ashley Ellison Abbott is a mother of four girls, a wife of 22 years, and a teacher by heart. Her husband Brandon is a self-made entrepreneur who retired two years ago after Ashley became very ill. After overcoming this life-threatening illness, Ashley has devoted her life to serving others and creating spaces of empowerment and inclusion. Drawing on her family’s business experience, Ashley and Brandon purchased Bitty & Beau’s Coffee and later Shiloh Abbott Ranch to create opportunities for others. Shiloh Abbott Ranch empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through life skills training, micro-business development, and sustainable housing. Inspired by Genesis 49:10, the Abbotts believe each person is a unique creation

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Thank you to one of our Buddy Walk Presenting Sponsors Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Real People. Real Service. Real Impact.  Looking for a financial partner that puts you first? That’s what we’ve been doing since 1936.  Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union is a local, not-for-profit credit union built around one simple idea: helping our members—and our communities—grow.  We offer personalized service and a full range of financial solutions—checking, savings, auto loans, mortgages, credit cards, and financial education—with lower fees, better rates, and people who genuinely care.  We’re proud to be part of the communities we serve and even prouder to support the schools, nonprofits, and neighbors who make them stronger.  Visit any of our branches or connect with us online at palmettocitizens.org to learn more.  Let’s grow together.  –Your Friends at Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union 

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family stands smiling in the back yard

ROBINSON FAMILY OF COLUMBIA TO SERVE AS AMBASSADORS FOR BUDDY WALK 2025

Annual Event Honors Families who have a child with Down syndrome (COLUMBIA, SC)—The Robinson family of Columbia is serving as Ambassadors for Family Connection of South Carolina’s Buddy Walk 2025. Buddy Walk is held in honor of families who have a child with Down syndrome. Funds raised through Buddy Walk help Family Connection provide services and resources to families across South Carolina who have a child with a disability or chronic health condition. Buddy Walk also supports the vision of the National Down Syndrome Society to help create a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. Marc Robinson is a 7th grade student at Irmo Elementary School. An outgoing and charismatic student, Marc enjoys math, recess, and talking to teachers and fellow students. His favorite activities include swimming, Hot

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Family Connection of South Carolina Presents Lexington One School District with Parent Leadership and Advocacy Awards

(Columbia, SC)—Family Connection of South Carolina presented two awards to Lexington County School District One. The Parent Leadership Award was presented to the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). “As South Carolina’s Parent Training and Information Center, we applaud Lexington One for recognizing the power of the parent voice!” said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection of South Carolina. “We have worked closely with district leadership to co-design and train parent leaders for their first ever Special Education Parent Advisory Council.” The advisory council, in partnership with Family Connection, hosted the Parent Connections event on Saturday, June 14 at White Knoll High School. The informational event was open to parents of students with disabilities of all ages, as well as caregivers and professionals of these students.  Family Connection’s Pat Head Advocate of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Nicole Adams, Lexington One’s Special Services Executive Director. In 2016,

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Pack the Park, enjoy a game, support Family Connection

Pack the Park is a philanthropic initiative hosted by the Columbia Fireflies at Segra Park with the help of Together SC and Central Carolina Community Foundation, offering a unique fundraising opportunity for nonprofits. On August 26, $5 from every ticket sold through this link will go back towards Family Connection of SC. This approach not only supports the Columbia Fireflies but also serves as a powerful platform for community organizations to raise funds for their causes. By attending a Fireflies game, supporters enjoy a fun-filled evening and contribute to the betterment of their community through the charitable efforts of Pack the Park. It’s a win-win scenario that fosters sportsmanship, entertainment, and meaningful giving, all under the lights of Segra Park.

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Family Connection of South Carolina Receives 5-Year Grant from U.S. Department of Education to Continue Supporting Families of Children and Youth with Disabilities

(Columbia, SC)—Family Connection of South Carolina is proud to announce it has been awarded a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). This funding will allow Family Connection to continue serving as South Carolina’s only Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center—a role it has fulfilled since 2015.  “With this renewed investment, Family Connection will continue providing families across our state with assistance in navigating the complex health care landscape and preparing for school meetings and understanding individualized education plans and other school supports and services” said Amy Holbert, Chief Executive Officer of Family Connection. “Our organization remains committed to empowering parents with the information they need to make the best decisions for their children.”  Each state has at least one Parent Center, designated and funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) through the Individual with Disabilities Education

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three girls jump and play

Family Connection: Shared Journeys That Establish Trust

Shared experiences can provide comfort and a strong sense of community. At Family Connection of South Carolina, peer support is at the heart of everything the organization does. According to Chief Executive Officer Amy Holbert, these shared journeys provide the foundation for the work of Family Connection SC with families who care for a child or young adult with a disability, chronic condition, behavioral health condition or other health care need. “Research shows that parent-to-parent support reduces isolation and establishes trust,” Holbert said. Read the article at https://healthlinkssc.com/charleston-area-nonprofits/family-connection-shared-journeys-that-establish-trust/

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FONTE FAMILY OF SPRINGDALE TO SERVE AS AMBASSADORS FOR LOOK! PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

Annual Exhibit Honors Children and Youth Living with Disability (COLUMBIA, SC) – Vivienne Fonte and her family are one of more than 60 families participating in Family Connection of South Carolina’s LOOK! 2025 photography exhibit. The exhibit offers an inspiring glimpse into the lives of children and young people who have a disability or chronic health condition. To create the exhibit, professional photographers from across the state volunteered their time to host photo sessions with families who have received services from the organization. “Our family is excited to participate in LOOK!,” says, Vivienne’ mom, Katie. “We have been fortunate enough to see a full circle moment with our involvement with Family Connection. From the overwhelming feelings when Vivienne was first diagnosed as a toddler and finding connection and education through Family Connection to now seeing Vivi thriving and able to give back through volunteering at Family Connection events is truly

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Parent Connections Event coming to Lexington One 

(Columbia, SC)— Lexington County School District One’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council and Family Connection of South Carolina are collaborating to host a free, informational event at White Knoll High School on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Parent Connections is open to parents of students with disabilities of all ages, as well as caregivers and professionals of these students.   “As South Carolina’s Parent Training and Information Center, we applaud Lexington One School District for recognizing the power of the parent voice!” said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection of South Carolina. We have worked closely with District leadership to co-design and train parent leaders for their first ever Special Education Parent Advisory Council. We are delighted to be supporting this event that will bring together parents of students with disabilities across the district for a day of learning and connecting.  “Planning and launching Parent Connections has been a truly rewarding experience!”

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