From eligibility to the application process, we've got answers for you on health care coverage for children with disabilities.   Register!

Francis Marion University will host its 26th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration on campus Thursday, January 16 at 6:30 p.m. in Chapman Auditorium. This year’s keynote speaker will be Florence Mayor Lethonia Barnes. The program will be emceed by members of the FMU Student Government Association and the Campus Activities Board. The event will also include entertainment provided by the Young Gifted and Blessed Gospel Choir and winners of FMU’s Got Talent. Lethonia Barnes is an accomplished business owner, a former college administrator, wife, mother, and a current pastor. Barnes graduated from Wilson High School and went on to attend South Carolina State University, where she earned her degree in business. Prior to becoming Mayor of Florence, Barnes owned the largest beauty and barber salon in Florence and led the first business to kick-start the downtown renewal in the city. She also served as an administrator at Florence-Darlington Technical College and Virginia Tech for a combined 21 years. Additionally, Barnes served a four-year term as a Florence City Councilwoman

The 26th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Freedom March will return to Florence on Monday, January 20, beginning at 10 a.m. The march will kick off at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Oakland Avenue, where participants are invited to arrive early for refreshments, including coffee and cocoa. The procession will then make its way along Oakland Avenue, cross the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge, and continue to the Performing Arts Center for the closing program. Councilwoman Lashonda NeSmith Jackson is eager for this year’s event and is hoping for a diverse turnout from the community, including local churches, Greek organizations, and motorcycle clubs. At the Performing Arts Center, the program will feature a keynote address by Bishop R. Christopher Brown of Sword of Truth Church, along with poetry, praise dancers, and reflections on Dr. King’s lasting legacy. Following the program, city buses will transport participants back to their vehicles. For Jackson, the return of the march in 2023 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic was deeply emotional. It marked the first march without three key community leaders who were instrumental in establishing the event: former councilman Ed Robinson (died 2016), longtime city councilman Billy D. […]

Parenting is hard. We're here with helpful resources to create a safe, positive learning environment for your child.   Register!

This learning session will provide parents with a clear understanding of progress monitoring requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the process of tracking progress on Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, and best practices for ensuring their child’s educational success. Register!

In South Carolina, there are ongoing discussions about using public funds for private schools. How do these decisions affect students with disabilities? Join Jennifer Rainville with SC Appleseed to learn about the latest school voucher laws and how they could change public education, including support and accommodations for students.   Register here!

We are so sorry we had to cancel last month’s event. We missed seeing you all. Our next Accessibility Morning event will take place on February 8, 2025, and we’d love it if you would join us, and Pete the Cat, for this awesome event. If you plan to attend this event, please let us know and check out the information below to find out more about the event and what we ask of you as a Community Resource Partner. As always, we'd appreciate it if you would share this event with others, and let us know if there is anyone else we could be inviting to it!

We are back for another parent session to help your child succeed at school and beyond. Come ready to learn the six tips to being an effective teacher at home, using positive parenting principles to help build your child’s life skills.  While content of each session is designed for parents and caregivers of children up to age 12, sessions are open to all parents and caregivers!   Register here!

Join Family Connection for a virtual session where we will be talking all things early childhood! We'll cover common questions about child development, early intervention services through IDEA Part C/BabyNet, preparing to transition to services for school-aged children (IDEA Part B), and resources available to South Carolina's families. Information covered during this session is designed for parents and cargivers of children ages birth to 5 but is open to anyone wanting to learn more!   Register here!

South Carolina offers eight Medicaid waivers for specific populations, including children and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs, to receive specialized services beyond general Medicaid coverage. This session will cover resources and services Family Connection of SC provides to families of children with disabilities, including helping parents understand process of applying for waivers.   Register here!

This evidence-based training will give you the skills to help educate, inspire, and empower parents and their children to live rich, fulfilling lives. As a volunteer of Family Connection, a Support Parent provides emotional support and information to families of individuals with disabilities or other special needs. Support Parents connect with other families by phone and provide a safe listening environment and information and resources for these families. Attendees who complete the training will receive a certificate and additional opportunities for skill development and volunteer time during their year commitment with Family Connection.   Register here!