(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,

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.

(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

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

(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!”

Annual Photo Exhibit Honors Children and Youth Living with a Disability Family Connection of South Carolina is pleased to announce Groucho’s Deli as the presenting sponsor of LOOK!™ 2025.   A private reception for photographers, sponsors, and participating families will be held at 701 Whaley on July 13, 2025. Intisar Faulkner, of WIS-TV, will be the event emcee. The LOOK! 2025 exhibit can be viewed online at www.familyconnectionsc.org/look beginning July 13. The exhibit will be open to the public at the Belk Court at Columbiana Centre from July 15 – August 8, and will travel to venues across the Midlands and Upstate regions throughout 2025.  To create the exhibit, professional photographers from across the state volunteer their time to offer individual photo sessions with families who have a child or youth with a disability or chronic health condition. The inspiring photos capture candid moments of the participants doing the things they like to