THE DIFFERENCE A SCHOLARSHIP CAN MAKE

When I started my journey to parenthood, I had a plan. I had a vision for what the future might look like. I was prepared to adapt that plan and vision “as needed”. I was as prepared as one could be when becoming a parent…or so I thought. I was not, however, prepared for this kind of change to the plan. As a single, first-time parent, what came next was never on my radar as a possibility. 



My daughter’s arrival prompted a very unexpected detour into the world of special needs. This brought more stress, more worries, and a lot more questions…different questions. My focus became: How am I going to work and still get her to all her appointments and therapies? Who can I trust to provide the level of care she needs so I can work, pay the bills, and provide for us? And, How am I going to afford all this now with the added expenses? I spent countless hours searching for resources to figure out our new normal. Then, a therapist mentioned the Elaine Clark Center.

ECC allowed her therapists to work with her at the center, so I didn’t have to leave work as much, which allowed me to maintain stable employment. They were able to provide an environment that met her needs, which allowed me to return to work knowing she was properly cared for and safe. They granted us a partial scholarship, which relieved some of the financial burden and stress. Their support gave me time to gain footing in raising a child with special needs, expand our resources, and grow my career to a point where the scholarship was no longer needed. 

My family has come a long way since 2011, and we are in a great place now. I attribute much of that to the support we received during those first few years, when an unexpected detour introduced me to a whole new world for those with special needs and resources like The Elaine Clark Center.

Grateful for this community,

- Jenn Looper & Amelia (Age 16)