News

Family Connection Celebrates Families with 2026 LOOK! Photography Exhibit

(Columbia, SC)—Family Connection of South Carolina will unveil the 2026 LOOK!™ photography exhibit with a special event on Sunday, June 7 at 701 Whaley. The preview event is the first time the families will see their child’s photo. This year’s exhibit features 60 children and young adults with a disability or chronic health condition. Following the June 7 unveiling, the exhibit will be shown at the Richland Library from Thursday, June 11, 2026, to Friday, July 17, 2026. The public is invited to visit the library to view the photographs. “We hope everyone will come by the library and take a moment to reflect and to see the joy and everyday moments experienced by children and youth who also happen to have a disability,” said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection. “This is such a special photography collection, and we are grateful to the families for sharing their experiences with us and the photographers who have given of their time and talents to make this exhibit possible.” LOOK!™ is an annual photography exhibit showcasing the beauty and

June 1, 2026

Family Connection of South Carolina Receives $20,000 Gift from Cheerful Giver

Unrestricted donation strengthens organization’s ability to serve families across the state [Columbia, SC] — Family Connection of South Carolina announced today that it is the recipient of a $20,000 unrestricted gift from the Cheerful Giver Fund of Central Carolina Community Foundation. The generous donation will support the organization’s core mission of empowering families navigating disabilities, developmental delays, and special healthcare needs. “This gift is a profound expression of confidence in our work,” said Amy Holbert, CEO. “An unrestricted gift gives us the flexibility to invest directly where families need us most—whether that’s expanding peer support groups, deepening advocacy training, or strengthening our resource navigation services. We are deeply grateful.” The Cheerful Giver Fund awards anonymous donations to nonprofit organizations making meaningful impact in the Central Carolina region. The identity of the donor remains confidential, but Family Connection is honored to be recognized for its commitment to the families it serves.

May 7, 2026

Family Connection of South Carolina Joins Midlands Gives Campaign, Invites Community Support

Annual giving day showcases nonprofit’s commitment to serving families across the region Columbia, SC] — Family Connection of South Carolina announced its participation in Midlands Gives, a 24-hour online giving campaign that celebrates and supports nonprofits serving the Midlands community. The campaign takes place on May 5 at www.midlandsgives.org. Early giving is now open. “Midlands Gives is an incredible opportunity to reach donors who care about strengthening families in our state,” said Amy Holbert, CEO. “Every gift—whether $5 or $500—directly supports the families we serve. We’re grateful for this platform to share our mission and invite the community to invest in real change.” “Your early gift helps us build momentum and inspires others to give.” Family Connection provides critical support to families navigating disabilities, developmental delays, and special healthcare needs through peer support, advocacy, training, and resource navigation. The organization serves families across South Carolina, helping them access early intervention,

April 21, 2026

Family Connection of South Carolina Selected as Beneficiary of Children’s Charities of the Midlands Gift

Organization recognized among 21 nonprofit programs serving children and families in the Midlands [Columbia, SC] — Family Connection of South Carolina announced today that it has been selected as a beneficiary of Children’s Charities of the Midlands’ 2025 fundraising efforts. The organization will receive a portion of the $140,000 in grants distributed to 21 local nonprofit programs dedicated to supporting children and families in need. Children’s Charities of the Midlands, a 100% volunteer nonprofit founded in 2000, distributes all proceeds from its fundraising events directly to beneficiary organizations with no administrative overhead. The 2025 fundraising year included the Lake Carolina Polar Plunge, community 5K races, a cornhole tournament, a golf tournament, and the Lake Carolina Oyster Roast and Wine Tasting. “Being recognized by Children’s Charities of the Midlands is a tremendous honor,” said Amy Holbert, CEO. “This gift validates the critical work we do supporting families navigating disabilities and chronic

April 21, 2026

Family Connection South Carolina to Host 2026 Hopes & Dreams Conference March 25th

Annual conference highlights resources for families and professionals caring for individuals who have a disability Family Connection of South Carolina will be hosting its annual Hopes and Dreams Conference on Wednesday, March 25th at the R2i2 Conference Center in Columbia. This event brings together professionals and families who care for children and young adults who have a disability as well as self-advocates for a day of learning and collaboration. Keynote Presenters include: Dr. Meghan Burke, is a professor of special education at Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. Her research interests include family-professional partnerships, families of individuals with disabilities, and disability policy. Her research examines how families advocate for services for their family members with disabilities. She also conducts research examining how siblings of individuals with disabilities transition to caregiving roles. Dr. Burke has developed and tested several advocacy programs, including the Volunteer Advocacy Project (VAP) to educate and empower parents of individuals with disabilities to access services, not only for their own offspring but also for other families and for systemic change. To date, the

March 13, 2026

Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection of South Carolina recognized by The South Carolina 500

(Columbia, SC)—Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection of South Carolina has been named to the inaugural South Carolina 500 list, a prestigious recognition created by SCBIZ to honor South Carolina’s 500 most influential leaders across the state. SCBIZ is the market leader in business media in South Carolina. The publication’s editorial team identified 500 outstanding individuals across multiple industries who are driving innovation, creating jobs, building communities, and making South Carolina a better place to live and work. The South Carolina 500 will be published annually, with nominations opening each year for the following edition. Alfonso Franco, President of Family Connection of South Carolina’s board of directors, states: “Under Amy Holbert’s leadership, Family Connection continues to thrive as a trusted, mission-focused organization. Her strategic insight, dedication to families, and steady leadership make a meaningful difference for families across our state who have children with a disability or chronic health condition.”

December 22, 2025

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

November 14, 2025

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

October 1, 2025

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

September 26, 2025