Family Engagement

Testimonials from members of our Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

Elle

“I think my favourite thing I’ve accomplished on YAC is just the community I make along the way. I get to meet so many higher-ups and members in the Grandview community who want to talk to me and get to know my opinions, thoughts and views. Instead of just being part of the community, I get to be involved in it in ways a younger me could never imagine. 

If someone was thinking to join YAC, I’d say to just go for it. Everyone here is incredibly kind and accepting always ready to celebrate the qualities you bring to YAC. There is nothing that you would regret and we’d be incredibly excited to welcome you!”

Teagan

“One of my favourite YAC memories is sharing my thoughts and ideas about how Grandview Kids can help parents and families feel part of a welcoming community. I also enjoyed volunteering and helping make Grandview-sponsored family events a success.

Some things I’ve accomplished being part of YAC are having people see me as someone who is intelligent, creative and has well-thought-out ideas and then seeing those ideas become a reality. YAC has helped make a difference for me by being able to help and volunteer for Grandview events. I have been able to give back to Grandview for all the memories they helped create for my family over the years growing up as a Grandview kid and helping create those memories for new families.

Youth voices are important. By sharing our experiences being a part of Grandview and growing up a Grandview Kid and using the services provided, we can provide feedback on what worked for us and what helped us become who we are today. Sometimes having younger voices can help provide a fresh new outlook on ideas and suggestions.

My advice to young people thinking about being part of YAC: I would highly recommend it. The friends I have made being part of YAC has been an awesome experience and the feeling you get knowing you are helping Grandview families is an incredible source of pride.”

Olive

“I am most proud of getting out of my shell and meeting new people through YAC. YAC has helped me in my community by showing me how everyone is special in their own ways. It is important to have youth voices to shape programs and services at Grandview Kids because they can help come up with many different ideas to make it fun for everyone and to have ways to make people feel included with things. 

My favourite memory from being a part of the YAC was helping with the Accessible Trick-or-Treat event at the Kids’ Safety Village.

I would tell another young person who is thinking about joining YAC how this is a good way to meet other youth that are just like you and how we do a lot of fun things, like being involved in planning events.”

Grandview Kids has been part of Brad’s story from the very beginning

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just six months old, Brad was referred to Grandview Kids, where he received physiotherapy, occupational therapy and rehabilitation support after two major surgeries. He attended Grandview School and, over the years, built strong relationships with the people who helped him navigate challenges and celebrate milestones. One of his proudest childhood memories is taking his first steps at the old Grandview Kids building in Oshawa when he was seven years old.

Brad’s connection to Grandview Kids continued to evolve. He became a Grandview Ambassador in 2001, volunteering throughout high school and later partnering with Grandview Kids leaders to raise funds through community speaking engagements. They shared the importance of giving both clients and caregivers a platform to voice their needs, concerns and goals.

Together with Andrea B. (our Family Engagement Program Manager), they helped create the Grandview Kids Family Engagement Program. This small but mighty team of two has now grown to a team of 13 staff, comprised of caregivers to Grandview clients, former clients (grads) and siblings. Brad is proud to be an employee of Grandview Kids, where he has spent the past eight years supporting youth and families as a Peer Navigator and Youth Advisory Council (YAC) leader. He also sits on the Grandview School Board as the YAC Representative, helping bring forward matters and perspectives that are important to youth.

Brad is quick to point out that he has never accomplished any of this alone. Supported by a close-knit family, including his twin brother, and surrounded by people who believe in him, he says Grandview Kids became a village that helped him reach where he is today. National Disability Independence Day is a celebration of progress, inclusion and opportunity.

For Brad, disability independence means having the choices and opportunities to support himself while contributing to his community. It also means turning hardships into opportunities and using his experiences to encourage others. “If they see me do it,” he says, “it proves to them that anything is possible.”

Brad credits Grandview Kids with helping him build the confidence and independence that shaped his career. Through therapy, rehabilitation and the encouragement of staff, he learned the importance of self-advocacy and perseverance. More importantly, he learned to celebrate small victories. “Our clients and families go through so much every day,” he says. “It isn’t always about the big celebrations.”

Brad believes every child and youth has a unique purpose and place in the world. One of the most important lessons he’s learned over his years at Grandview Kids, and he now shares with youth, is that everyone has strengths worth discovering.

He sees his role as guiding youth to identify their strengths, develop confidence and find pathways to reach their full potential. The work is vital because barriers still exist. Brad believes many children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs continue to face accessibility challenges in their communities, whether that means navigating public spaces, attending events or accessing services.

Employment also remains one of the biggest obstacles for youth with physical, communication and developmental needs. Too often, young people are told they are not the right fit for a job, and those experiences can diminish confidence and self-worth.

That is why Brad is passionate about helping youth find their voice. He wants them to feel supported, included and empowered to advocate for themselves. Sometimes, simply knowing someone is on their team can make all the difference. For young people wondering what their future might hold, Brad offers a message of hope.

“Believe in yourself, do your best and surround yourself with good people,” he says. “Turn your disability into something positive and spread positivity. Kindness is free,” Brad encourages. He wants youth to know they are not alone. Whether as a mentor, advocate or friend, Brad is committed to helping others navigate their own journeys toward independence.

When asked what achievement makes him most proud, Brad does not focus on a single accomplishment. Instead, he reflects on the opportunity to spend his career helping others. “I can do anything I set my mind to, but this is what I want,” he says. “I’m living out my dream helping kids, youth and their families understand that anything is literally possible.” Brad’s dream is rooted in gratitude for the people who supported him, the opportunities he received and the chance to give back.

His journey from client to Team Grandview member is a powerful reminder that independence is not about doing everything alone. It is about having the support, opportunities and confidence to pursue your goals, advocate for yourself and help others do the same. “Grandview will always have my heart,” says Brad.

Celebrating Stroke Awareness Month!

Zoey’s story began with two silent strokes before she was even born. These strokes in utero would lead to a diagnosis of right-sided hemiplegia cerebral palsy at 18-months-old. While cerebral palsy is part of her life, it does not limit 11-year-old Zoey. Today, she plays pickleball and basketball without hesitation, fills sketchbooks with art, bakes in the kitchen and laughs with her siblings, Miles and Quinn. Zoey’s parents, Jessica and AJ, prioritize family time, whether that means a visit to the zoo, watching cooking shows, playing UNO or Snakes and Ladders, or simply sitting together in the living room for movie nights. Their dog, Oreo, is never far behind and extended relatives, including great-grandparents, are part of her strong circle of support. Zoey’s journey is not defined by what happened to her, but by everything she has done since.

As a toddler, Zoey’s parents noticed that she was not hitting age-appropriate milestones and seemed to favour only the left side of her body. Her right hand often stayed in a fist, her toes curled under and she did not seem aware of her right side. “It was like she didn’t realize she had a right hand at the time,” they shared with their paediatrician while raising their concerns. That led them to testing at SickKids Hospital, where an MRI revealed that Zoey had experienced two strokes before birth. Like many parents receiving a new diagnosis, Jessica and AJ were left wondering what this would mean for Zoey’s future, independence and everyday life.

The diagnosis brought both uncertainty and the supports they needed. A referral was made to Grandview Kids, a place that would become much more than a therapy provider for Zoey’s family.

Zoey began physiotherapy, occupational therapy and participated in social work groups at Grandview Kids. Beyond the excellent clinical care, the welcoming, warm and “full of life” environment at Grandview Kids stood out immediately. Kids were not being called in for “appointments,” rather they were being invited to play. Therapies were play-based with goals set around what Zoey enjoyed, and because of this, Zoey thrived.

With the support of her care team, she worked on strengthening her right side. She wore an ankle-foot orthotic (AFO) on her right leg and used arm splints to encourage both hands to work together. “Grandview helped me use my right hand a lot,” Zoey says. “And they helped me learn how to walk up the stairs.” As a toddler, she relied on the use of a walker but with determination, grit and encouragement, she progressed. Today, she runs onto a soccer field without supports.

To Jessica and AJ’s surprise, the impact went far beyond physical development. Grandview Kids helped build Zoey’s confidence, resilience and her sense of belonging. Being surrounded by other children with similar experiences showed her that being “different” was something to understand and embrace. Grandview Kids also became a guide for her parents through the unknown, finding direction and reassurance in moments that once felt overwhelming. They learned how to advocate for Zoey, navigate difficult conversations and ensure she felt safe and supported in every environment. The ripple effect extended to Zoey’s older brother, Miles, now 14. Having attended many of her sessions, he absorbed the compassion modeled by Grandview Kids staff. At home, Miles became one of Zoey’s biggest supporters, encouraging and nurturing her in a protective way that shaped their bond.

Grateful for the support they received, Zoey’s family felt a strong desire to give back in any capacity they could. In 2016 and 2017, they became Run Ajax Ambassadors for Grandview Kids. Agreeing to be part of the Ambassador Program turned into a full community effort with a team of about 30 friends and extended family, including cousins and grandparents, rallying together. They fundraised, sold custom t-shirts, raised awareness and demonstrated the power of gratitude and community. Together, they raised thousands of dollars to support the very programs that helped Zoey grow.

Jessica and AJ are proud to share that Zoey is no longer just the child they once advocated for as she is becoming her own advocate. For a long time, talking about her diagnosis was not easy for her. Explaining what a stroke is or how cerebral palsy affects her felt intimidating. Over time, with reassurance from her family and the confidence she built through her experiences, Zoey found her voice. Now, when classmates or friends ask questions, she answers them in her own way and on her own terms. “My friend asked me a question about his mom, who also has cerebral palsy. He wanted to know how he could help her,” Zoey shares excitedly, recounting a recent opportunity for leadership and connection. Her parents remind her often that there is no right or wrong way to tell her story. “You know your body best. And when you’re ready, your voice can help others learn,” they encourage.

The journey has not been easy; Zoey has worked hard to lead a vibrant and full childhood. Her family has faced moments of misunderstanding, stares from strangers and uncomfortable questions like, “what’s wrong with her?” Through the guidance from Grandview Kids, they have learned how to manage expectations, respond and perhaps most importantly, how to educate and advocate – not just for Zoey – but for every child and youth to help build a more inclusive world.

Jessica and AJ encourage other parents to be their child’s voice until they find their own. “Every child deserves to be heard and respected. These conversations should start early, in classrooms and communities,” until they have trickled into the heart of every home.

Raising a child with autism and learning to let go of the life I imagined

Written by Grandview Kids parent, Paul Sahota

There’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, even if I didn’t quite have the words for it.

I’m part of a private Facebook group for dads who are raising autistic children. A few weeks ago, another father shared something that hit me right smack in the gut. He wrote: “Does anyone else feel like they’re grieving a child that’s still alive?”

This is something I’ve felt countless times, but I never had the words for it. I never thought to describe it as grief, but that’s exactly what it feels like.

The life I thought we’d have

Before my son was born, there was so much excitement about this new chapter in my life. This is something my wife and I had wanted for so long. There was anticipation for everything that was coming, all the milestones like walking and talking. You see those moments everywhere, and you can’t wait to experience them for yourself.

I remember daydreaming about what fatherhood would be like.

I remember thinking about playing sports with my son, going to the local park and kicking a soccer ball around on freshly cut grass in the summer, or going to Canadian Tire to buy him his first baseball glove and finding one that would fit his hand. Then, going to the back of my condo or the front lawn of my parents’ home, and playing catch with a green tennis ball to start building his hand-eye coordination.

I remember daydreaming about teaching my son dance moves and us choreographing a routine to show off at family functions like weddings or anywhere there was a dance floor.

I remember thinking about having father-son days where we would go see a movie, go out for a bite to eat and then come home to hear my son tell my wife all about the fun we had.

I remember thinking about going out to restaurants for family dinners and having my parents join us from time to time. I imagined the end of the meal, wrestling with my dad over who would pay the bill.

I remember thinking about larger family dinners, with my siblings, my niece and nephew and my grandmother. Having all of us together and seeing different generations of our family sitting around the same table.

I remember driving past the park in my neighbourhood and seeing all the kids out there playing sports, and doing the math in my head to figure out when my son would join them. I remember thinking I would enroll my son in the soccer program once he turned three and sit on the sidelines, watching him while socializing with the other parents.

When reality set in

The magical day finally arrives, and your child is born. All those things you dreamt about and anticipated suddenly feel so much more real.

But as time goes on, your child starts to miss different developmental milestones. You begin to feel that something isn’t quite right. After going through multiple appointments with different doctors, you eventually receive the official diagnosis of autism.

After being emotionally winded and trying to process everything, you start to realize that many of the things you once imagined are not going to happen, or at the very least, they are not going to happen on the same timeline as other children.

That’s when the reality of the situation truly sets in. All those happy dreams I once held onto begin to hit me differently. What once brought me excitement now becomes a painful reminder of the life I don’t have, the life that was taken away from me.

What our life looks like now

Instead of going to the local park and kicking a soccer ball around, I focused on helping him master basic motor skills. Going up and down steps, holding his legs and guiding them so he knew which foot to put forward.

Instead of going to Canadian Tire to buy him his first baseball glove, I was buying padding to put on the corners of our walls because he struggled with balance and kept hurting himself every day moving through our home.

Instead of playing catch with a tennis ball to build his hand-eye coordination, we played catch with a balloon, because that’s all he could handle for a long time.

We tried taking him to restaurants. We also tried taking him to an autism-friendly event at the cinema. Both were incredibly high stress, and we weren’t able to manage his behaviour in those settings, so we decided to stop trying for the time being.

Family dinners look different now. We go to my parents’ home, and my wife and I take shifts. She feeds him first while I eat quickly, then I take him away from the table so she can have her meal. Most of the time, we’re not even able to sit and eat together with the rest of the family.

There are times when I come across pictures of my siblings and my family sitting down for dinner at a restaurant together, and I stay quiet and keep my emotions hidden, knowing we can’t be part of those moments because it would be too stressful.

Instead of enrolling him in a typical soccer program and sitting on the sidelines with other parents, I enroll him in an all-abilities program where I need to be with him one-on-one. Often, he doesn’t participate with the other kids, and we end up doing our own thing off to the side.

Learning to grieve what never was

I’ve come to realize that holding on to those dreams doesn’t serve me as a father or my family. What I need to do is grieve the life that never was. The experiences we cannot have. The family life that I once envisioned. I need to grieve for my son, for myself as a father, and for my family as a whole.

But just like any kind of grief, it’s not something you process once and move on from. It shows up again and again. There are moments that trigger memories of things that never actually happened, but that I once imagined so clearly. I can’t allow myself to dwell on those moments, but I also can’t ignore them. I need to find a way to grieve them, so I can come back and be present for what I actually have.

Because even though this life is very different and filled with constant challenges, there is still so much beauty in it. There is still so much joy that my son brings into our lives. And in many ways, this journey has changed me in ways I never expected. I’m more compassionate. I’m more patient and understanding. I’m more loving. I’ve learned to appreciate the small things in life and the small wins. Because with autism, those small wins often mean everything.

Letting go and moving forward

Even now, those moments still come up. They don’t just disappear. Just like any kind of loss, they show up when you least expect them.

When they do, I try to treat them the same way I approach meditation. When my mind starts to wander, I have to catch those thoughts, acknowledge them and release them from my mind. If I don’t, the grief can take over, and I’m no longer present for my son or my family in the way they need me to be. And when that happens, it can pull me into a downward spiral of negative thoughts, and ultimately into habits and coping mechanisms that don’t serve me or my health.

But when I am able to catch those moments and release them, it allows me to stay resilient. It allows me to bounce back and stand firmly in the present moment. It allows me to show up as the father my son needs right now.

The truth is, those thoughts will probably never fully go away. Just like grieving the loss of a loved one, it may become less intense over time, but it doesn’t disappear. And maybe that’s because grief is a reflection of love. You only feel it because you care so deeply.

What I try to remind myself of is how far my son has come. Despite all the obstacles and challenges in his way, he continues to grow. I need to appreciate him for where he is now and what it’s taken to get here.

At the same time, I have to continue grieving the life that never was, while also allowing myself to envision a new life that is possible with him. It may be different than what I imagined, but it can still be a life filled with beauty, meaning and excitement.

And maybe that’s the work now. Not holding onto the old vision but allowing myself to carve out a new one.

At five years old, Ahaana’s deep joy and desire for connection are easily observed by everyone around her. Her playful but intelligent conversation demonstrates how she is goofy, creative, endlessly curious, witty and has deep empathy for others. She lives with her parents, Ankit and Mansi, and her one-month-old baby brother Agastya.

Ahaana is surrounded by love that stretches across generations and cultures, enjoying visits from her grandparents on weekends or when her family travels to India regularly to stay connected to their roots. Ahaana loves science experiments with her dad, Ankit, and crafts and reading with her mom, Mansi. Social by nature, Ahaana is often the first to help a new child at school, guiding classmates through routines, holding hands to provide comfort and even helping them put on their winter attire. A natural leader with a strong sense of responsibility, she is learning multiple languages, including Hindi and French. She has a love for music, dance and creativity that continues to grow.

Ahaana’s drive and ability to explore her world were once only a dream to her parents. Born during the COVID-19 pandemic, she entered a world already filled with much anxiety. Shortly after birth, Ahaana failed her newborn hearing screening in both ears. Like many families, Ankit and Mansi were initially reassured that this was common and often temporary. However, follow-up tests through Grandview Kids’ Infant Hearing Program and Audiology service told a different story. After three screenings and a detailed audiology assessment, Ahaana was diagnosed with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss. This meant she could not hear sounds at all in either ear, and traditional hearing aids would not help.

With no family history of hearing loss, the diagnosis was shocking. Due to COVID restrictions, only one parent could attend appointments, making the experience even more isolating. At home, Ankit and Mansi found themselves testing sounds–calling her name, dropping toys, turning on music–hoping for any reaction. Slowly, it became clear that Ahaana was not responding to sound, though her other senses were heightened. She relied on physical closeness, movement and touch to feel safe and connected.

Like many parents, Ankit and Mansi moved through denial, grief, fear and overwhelming uncertainty. But once the diagnosis was fully understood, they reached a turning point: acceptance. With that acceptance came the determination to learn everything they could and to make the most informed, loving decision possible for their daughter.

Ahaana’s care journey became a shared decision-making process, guided by specialists at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Grandview Kids and cochlear implant support organizations. The family learned about cochlear implants, how they bypass underdeveloped parts of the ear and use electrical signals to stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing the brain to learn sound over time. Speech therapy, they learned, would be just as critical as the technology itself.

They researched extensively, attended virtual meetings and connected with other families, including a cochlear implant community advocate who lived nearby and shared her own lived experience of parenting a child with cochlear implants. Seeing older children with cochlear implants thrive gave them hope. While the risks of surgery were frightening, the compassion and expertise of the medical team, especially their surgeon, Dr. Papsin, at SickKids, helped ground them. Rather than focusing on unanswered questions like “why,” the team encouraged them to focus on what came next: recovery, growth and possibility. Their SickKids Audiologist, Dr. Laurie, was a source of constant support since Ahaana was two months old. She took the time to listen, answer their queries and assist the family in overcoming the learning curve of cochlear implant use.

Throughout this time, Grandview Kids played a pivotal role. Before surgery, Ahaana received audiology support, early speech-language pathology (SLP) and guidance from educators specializing in deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Even while knowing hearing aids would not restore Ahaana’s perception of sound, they were used to help her and her parents become familiar with the devices and routines. More importantly, Grandview Kids supported the family emotionally, acknowledging the grief, helping them prepare for surgery and reminding them they were not alone. Ahaana’s Speech-Language Pathologist, Alishia C., exemplified Grandview Kids’ values of belonging, excellence and connection through her kind, caring and family-centred service. Alishia helped Mansi and Ankit discover their own potential, amplifying their voice and value as partners in care, and celebrated successes together along the way.

*Ahaana and her*
*Speech-Language Pathologist, Alishia C*.

In October 2021, Ahaana underwent a six-hour bilateral cochlear implant surgery. It was an emotional day for her parents, but the surgery was successful. Recovery was swift, and by the time she arrived home, Ahaana was already playing on her playmat, resilient and determined. One month later, on November 8, 2021, a day before her first birthday, her implants were activated. Six months after activation, the results were extraordinary. With consistent speech therapy, family dedication and ongoing support, Ahaana’s speech developed rapidly, soon on par with her hearing peers. She hums, sings and listens to music every night before bed, and she is preparing to learn piano! Her cochlear implants, lovingly called her “magic ears,” have become a celebrated part of who she is.

Grandview Kids continued to walk alongside the family before, during and long after surgery. Through audiology check-ins, SLP and the Infant and Child Hearing Program, Ahaana’s parents gained confidence in their approach and reassurance that they were doing the right things. However, it was the Family Engagement Program, specifically their Caregiver Café, a monthly networking and respite event for Grandview Kids parents and caregivers, that truly transformed their journey. Through connection with other families, Ankit and Mansi found a powerful sense of belonging. Hearing others’ stories helped them heal, dream again and even find the courage to grow their family. They realized the power of community, not just for support, but for the discovery of their own strength and potential as advocates.

Today, Ahaana’s family celebrates not only how far she has come, but the community that helped make it possible. They now volunteer, share their story openly and connect with families just beginning similar journeys. They are raising awareness, offering hope and reminding parents to give themselves grace. They are teaching Ahaana that her differences are her special powers, to find beauty in them by making her headbands colourful and pretty and to learn to advocate for her needs

As Grandview Kids prepares to celebrate the 30^th annual Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic, families like Norah’s help share why this community comes together year after year, and why continued support is more important now than ever. The story of Norah and her parents, Zaina and Mike, reflects both the challenges families face and the profound impact of donor generosity.

Norah is five years old and the centre of a close-knit circle of care that includes her parents and grandparents. Norah is described by her family as independent, fiery and “a ball of sunshine,” bringing light into every room she enters. She is always on the move, thriving in spaces where she can climb, explore and play freely. Whether she is at the trampoline park, swimming in the pool or playing with her dolls at home, Norah embraces the world with enthusiasm. A deeply affectionate child, Norah loves cuddling with her mom and seeks comfort from trusted adults as she explores new environments, textures and experiences.

Norah’s developmental journey began early. At 15 months old, her family noticed delays during a routine paediatric check-up, prompting a referral to Grandview Kids. Soon after her referral, she began receiving speech-language pathology (SLP) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) services. At two years and one day old, Norah was officially diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Zaina and Mike remember the diagnosis as both overwhelming and clarifying. They had seen signs, including limited verbal communication, reduced eye contact and a tendency to focus on details rather than typical play, though hearing it confirmed was still emotional. At the same time, it marked a turning point: a pathway to the support Norah needed and deserved.

Grandview Kids became an essential partner in Norah’s journey, not only for her but for her entire family. Through SLP and ABA services, Norah began building communication and learning skills that continue to evolve to this day. Equally important was the support her parents received through social work. Jennifer L., a dedicated social worker at Grandview Kids, helped Zaina and Mike gain the tools to process their emotions, navigate resources and shift their perspective during difficult moments. Through therapeutic approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), they learned to focus on what matters most, even on overwhelming days.

Grandview Kids, in partnership with Lake Ridge Community Support Services, Resources for Exceptional Children and Youth – Durham Region and The Regional Municipality of Durham, offers a crucial Entry to School (ETS) program as part of the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), Early Years Pathway. Before ETS, Norah attended a traditional daycare without specialized support, often spending much of her time on her own. Through ETS, she began learning routines, building attention skills and following directions. This created a foundation that changed how she engaged with the world around her.

Today, Norah is a student at Grandview School, where her parents say she is not only supported but truly understood. In a setting where every staff member understands the needs of students like Norah, she is learning to thrive in group environments while continuing to build independence. From opening her lunch and managing her belongings to putting on her shoes and recognizing her name, these everyday “inchstones” are celebrated as meaningful achievements.

Norah also uses an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, and her care team works closely with her family to ensure consistency between home and school. This collaborative approach brings therapists, educators and parents together, demonstrating the level of care that donor support helps make possible.

Grandview Kids has created a community for Norah’s family. Through the Family Engagement Program’s offerings, such as park playdates, caregiver cafes and inclusive family events, they have connected with others who “get” their lived experience. This deep connection helps replace feelings of isolation with those of belonging. “It’s easy to isolate yourself and think you’re the only one going through these things,” Zaina admits. “Obviously that’s not the case, but you won’t know until you connect with others.”

Zaina and Mike find purpose in giving back to their community. The two participate in Grandview Kids’ Ambassador Program and Family Advisory Council (FAC) and Grandview School’s school council. Their contributions to these vital groups enable them to support and uplift other families while saying “thank you” to Grandview Kids. This sense of community changed everything, giving Norah’s family hope, confidence and the reassurance that they are not alone. It also shows them what is possible when the right supports are in place.

These transformative services do not happen without the generosity of donors. Every therapy session, classroom support and family connection are made possible by a community that chooses to give. For families like Norah’s, that support lifts an incredible weight. It can provide access to services they might not otherwise afford, reduce stress and create opportunities that shape a child or youth’s future. Donor support changes lives and how families see their future. It gives children like Norah the chance to build skills, confidence and independence in ways that once felt uncertain.

Norah’s journey is just one story, but it represents so many others. This year’s 30th annual Golf Fore Grandview Kids is an opportunity to continue and expand this impact. Every donation plays a critical role in ensuring that more children, youth and families can access the care and community they need, when they need it. Your support powers potential.