Funding keeps dream alive

AFTER-school care program for children with special needs Casey Kidz Klub, which has struggled to secure government backing, has received funding to continue this term.
The program for kids over 12 with a disability has faced many problems with funding over the past year, but will run for another term and will now run five days a week. Program coordinator Amanda Stapledon said the children were overjoyed on their first day and ran to the bus after school to get to the program quickly. “They were so excited and couldn’t wait to get there. I think that says it all,” she said.
“I was taken back with the generosity and the request by those who did donate that they would do so, so that we can continue to run the program whilst lobbying the governments to take responsibility for this much needed program.”
Ms Stapledon said the program was forming the Live Your Dreams (LYD) Charitable Association to further fundraise for initiatives such as Casey Kidz Klub to assist people living with a disability to “live their dream”.
“We are desperately trying to raise funds to allow the program to run all year,” she said.
Casey Non-Resident of the Year and disability rights advocator Kellie Hammerstein said LYD aimed to help people living with a disability and their families have access to appropriate services and facilities, allowing them to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. She said the goal was for LYD to further complement existing disability services.
Parents interested in enrolling their child in the after-school care program can call Jade McShane at Wresacare on 5996 8612. To participate in developing Casey Kidz Klub and to assist with decision-making surrounding the program, contact Kellie Hammerstein on 8792 2354 or Amanda Stapledon on 5996 0194.