Spotlight: Utah Kids Foundation

by KATIE BROOKS

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A diagnosis like multiple sclerosis or severe autism can change the course of an entire family’s life. In addition to mental and emotional challenges, the parents of a disabled child will also run into financial demands. Syndi Knowlton was one such parent. As a mother of several special needs children, Syndi understands the enormous financial burdens carried by special needs families. That’s why she founded the Utah Kids Foundation.“

Having a child with special needs is never in a parent’s budget,” says Syndi, noting that a wheelchair alone can cost $12,000 and that many parents must also pay ongoing costs for things like physical therapy. “One way that we’re helping [special needs] families is by recycling supplies that are used or brand new and helping to defray those costs.”

The needs of disabled children and their families are often crucial and urgent. Insurance and medical care may be available, but families often face delayed doctors’ orders, insurance problems, and difficulties paying out-of-pocket before insurance deductibles are met. Utah’s precious children should not and often cannot wait for these problems to pass before getting help. The Utah Kids Foundation has found ways to network supplies and information; their goal is to help families get what they need when they need it.

In particular, the mission of the Utah Kids Foundation is to support all special needs families in Utah by:

  1. Sharing information about doctors and resources in the community

  2. Facilitating the legal exchange of spare supplies

  3. Providing comfort and support when our children are inpatients

  4. Sharing community events that are open to and accessible to special needs families

By connecting with several doctors, clinics, therapists, and other families, the Utah Kids Foundation is able to pass along needed supplies at no cost to the families in need. The foundation has also built partnerships with other businesses and can purchase items at wholesale costs, passing along any savings to special needs families. By making local connections, the foundation can cut the costs for and expedite shipping. In a single year, the Utah Kids Foundation helped families obtain over $250,000 in medical supplies at no cost!

Besides the acquisition of supplies, the Utah Kids Foundation also finds and sponsors events for special needs children and their families. Examples of these sponsored activities include an equity-based Easter Hunt; a Halloween party and trunk-or-treat especially for teens; and a Christmas program focused on assisting families who may be in debt or have other great need.

The Utah Kids Foundation’s success has led to an astounding growth rate: 300% in under two years! And the organization isn’t done growing. They are currently applying for grant funding to sponsor a new program focused on helping special needs families from rural areas travel to medical appointments.

A growing nonprofit, much like a growing child, needs nourishment. The Utah Kids Foundation is currently looking for a two-room office space in north Utah County with donated or low rent. In addition, the organization is always looking for more donations and volunteers. The foundation operates on a budget of only $10,000 per year, and every single item given by the foundation to special needs families is donated.

With as many as one in five Utahans struggling with a disability, the need for funding, supplies, and friendship for special needs families is staggering. We have much to learn from these children, who are a benefit to our society. By reaching out to help their families, we show special needs children that they are not burdens, but treasures.

People interested in volunteering with or donating to Utah Kids Foundation are encouraged to visit the organization’s website for more information.

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