The recipients are both under the age of five. The Orange Effect Foundation recognizes that the earlier therapy is received the more successful the outcome is likely to be. One recipient, age two, will use the grant award to receive critical therapy prior to her third birthday when she is eligible for speech services through the school district. Her parents are already aware of the incredible strides that she has made after just a few speech therapy sessions. They are thrilled to see the “big smile…every time she says a word, and the excitement in her eyes when she realizes we actually understand what she wants.” These improvements in language have reduced frustration and increased positive interactions with her three siblings, who are all under the age of four.
Another recipient, age four, is also in a critical stage of development. The funds he will receive will subsidize therapy in the absence of affordable health care. His parents state that therapy “has helped tremendously” but that he still has a long way to go. The grant from the Orange Effect Foundation will alleviate the financial burden of providing for weekly therapy.
“We are so fortunate for the education that so many organizations have provided, letting families realize the importance of early intervention with children. To be able to help two more families get much-needed speech therapy services fills my heart with joy,” says Pam Kozelka Pulizzi, founder and executive director, Orange Effect Foundation. “OEF would not be here without the support of our Board and the community helping us impact these children’s futures.”
The Orange Effect Foundation empowers children and young adults with speech disorders to effectively communicate through therapy, education, research, and technology resources. The Orange Effect Foundation awards quarterly grants through a competitive application and review process. The next grant application deadline is June 1, 2016. For more information and to obtain a copy of the grant application visit theorangeeffect.org.
About the Orange Effect Foundation
The Orange Effect Foundation strives to make sure that every single person has the ability to communicate. The foundation, while officially formed in 2014, actually began back in 2001 when the founders’ son was born with autism. Early intervention has led him to be a very heartwarming and independent young man. The Pulizzi family wanted to give back by empowering other children with the therapy and tools they need to communicate effectively.
In 2007, Golf for Autism was started, in time raising over $100,000 for autism and speech therapy services. This year’s event will be held on August 8, 2016, at Elyria Country Club. For more information, please contact theorangeeffect.org
Contacts
Orange Effect Foundation
Maureen Stanton, 1-888-554-2014
maureen@theorangeeffect.org
