Provide Scholarships for Adults with Disabilities

The Standord Social Information Review, a scholarly journal dedicated to thought leaders committed to social change has run many thoughtful articles that posit the command to non-profits the importantce of listening to their beneficiaries. "The views and experiences of the people who benefit from social programs are often overlooked and underappreciated, even though they are an invaluable source of insight into a program’s effectiveness."  Specially Adapted Resource Clubs (SPARC) does more than listen to our club members, we place them in positions of leadership to ensure that their club is implementing programs and policies that meet their needs. Many of our most vocal and community advocates are the members who rely on your investment in their daily life because they are shcolarship recipeints.  Without your donations, they do not have the resources to participate.

Katherine is a member of our Board of Directors.  Her voice provides vital insight into how we can best perform as her observations are grounded in the day-to-day experiences of the very people SPARC was created to serve.  At our monthly board meetings Katherine is able to provide instant feedback at every stage of our program.  This was especially useful as we pivoted from in person to virtual due to the pandemic.  And now we are gently treading into new territory, re-opening in cautious phases to ensure the health and safety of the most vulnerable of an already fragile population.  

At the beginning of 2021, SPARC hired a new Executive Director who launched the Advocates Advisory Council.  This board of  four club members who serve one year terms is self-directed and created their own mission, bylaws and objectives for their inagural year.  The council voted on their leader -- and the chairman is Justin, one of our original five members and also a scholarship recipient.  

The council has taken on the topic of barriers to transportation as their year long project.  We meet weekly and have developed large and small goals which include guest speakers, group and invidicual trainings, the production of a video and a planned community conversation.

Your investment enables these leaders to be members of SPARC.  Their conribution is invaluable and only possible through the generous support of donors like you.