April 2026 Newsletter

Dear Barbara Stone Foundation Friends and Family,

At the Barbara Stone Foundation, our work is rooted in connection, opportunity, and community. And like anything meaningful, that work requires both energy and renewal.

After a very full season of change, growth, and events, our team will be taking a brief all-staff organizational pause from Friday, May 8 through Wednesday, May 13, returning to the office on Thursday, May 14 (in time for our May Greenville CAN Lunch & Learn).

During this time, our staff will be fully out of the office. We thank you in advance for your understanding as we take this opportunity to step away, reset, and return with the clarity and energy needed to continue showing up fully present in, and for, our community.

We also hope this sets a positive tone and expectation moving forward—one that supports space to breathe and recharge. Because strong communities are built not just on action or constant doing, but on the health and well-being of the people who make them.

On a more personal note, this season has reminded me of the importance of making space—for reflection, for gratitude, and for the people and moments that shape us. This pause, in many ways, feels like a quiet and meaningful way to honor that.

While I was recently out west, I came across a field of wildflowers on a hike—bright, resilient, and full of life. It reminded me of my mom, who passed on Christmas night 2025, and of the importance of slowing down from time to time. As Mother’s Day approaches—and aligns with this time of pause—this feels especially meaningful.

We’re grateful for a community that understands the importance of this kind of care. Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and belief in this work.

We hope this serves as a gentle reminder to take that time when you need it, in whatever way is meaningful for you, and look forward to connecting with you soon.

With gratitude,

Meet Our Newest BSF Team Member

Greenville CAN Program Manager:

Jennifer Sperry

Please join us in welcoming Jennifer Sperry to the Barbara Stone Foundation team as our new Greenville CAN Program Manager! A long-time advocate of the disability community, Jennifer brings 24 years of experience supporting individuals and families across the Upstate.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Winthrop University and has served in roles with Thrive Upstate, Center for Developmental Services, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and most recently, the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.

Known for her compassion and leadership, Jennifer is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities and supporting individuals toward living more independent, fulfilling lives.

Board of Directors Spotlight

Newest Officer (Secretary):

Lori Bostic

Board Membership: Lori has served on the Barbara Stone Foundation Board of Directors for six months, having first engaged with the organization through CAN Talks.

Lori's "WHY" and Connection to BSF: Lori's commitment to this field is personal. During her 19 years as a service provider, she saw firsthand that the "therapeutic lifespan" requires consistent resources — especially during early childhood and the high-stakes transition from school to adulthood. She's also seen how technology can either be a bridge to independence, or a barrier to an individual’s quality of life. Lori is a firm believer that people with disabilities are often underestimated; they deserve a larger, more integrated place in the workforce and social circles. Her approach has always been to work on the goals of today with a clear vision for where an individual sees themselves five years down the road.

Family: Lori is a native Tennessean, calling the Nashville area home until 2023, when her husband James’s career brought them to South Carolina. James works at Clemson, and they’ve loved settling into their new community. Their family includes their daughter, Mikayla—who recently earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy — and a high-energy dog, Beau, who keeps them on their toes at home.

Work & Hobbies: Lori has dedicated nearly 20 years to working as an ABA therapist, supporting individuals aged one to 24, in both home and school settings. Lori says, "It has been an incredibly rewarding career defined by building deep rapport with my clients while constantly pushing them to exceed their own expectations." Since moving to South Carolina, Lori has continued her work in the classroom as a substitute teacher in Pickens County, focusing primarily on special education.

When she's not working or volunteering, you’ll likely find Lori: cheering for Tennessee, Baylor, and Clemson, enjoying local theater productions, or traveling the world any chance she gets.

A challenge facing the disability community that Lori has witnessed: Lori is particularly passionate about addressing the logistical and emotional challenges families face, whether it’s the difficulty of balancing resources among siblings or the simple desire to enjoy a meal or a vacation together as a family.

BINGO Bash

May 3, 2026

We’re celebrating 9 years of BINGO BASH (created by long-serving BSF Board Member: Elizabeth Piper) — our favorite FUNdraiser meets Sunday Funday — and you’re invited.

Join us at our NEW location, The Foundry at Judson Mill (701 Easley Bridge Rd), for an afternoon of bingo, community, and fun. All your favorites will be there: Bingo callers Jarrell and Trey, exciting Bingo games and prizes, our signature silent auction, and our annual Spring 2026 Community Innovations Grants presentation.

Enjoy great food from Mill City Kitchen, bring the whole family, and come ready to play!

HUGE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS UNIFYING EVENT POSSIBLE!!

Barbara Stone Foundation Community Innovations Grant Impact: Carolina Adaptive Golf

Carolina Adaptive Golf is expanding access and opportunity through the power of golf. With support from BSF, their PROJECT 2000 initiative has delivered adaptive golf opportunities to 2,000+ participants, while also expanding programs across Greenville County and beyond. The funding has helped provide high-quality coaching, adaptive equipment, and scholarships—ensuring individuals of all abilities can experience the game.

Beyond the numbers, the impact is deeply personal. Participants gain confidence, build social connections, and improve overall quality of life through inclusive, outdoor recreation. From youth discovering new independence to veterans finding renewed purpose, Carolina Adaptive Golf is creating meaningful pathways for individuals with disabilities to flourish, on and off the course.

Community Opportunities

Resources & Events

Newsletter Submission Form

If your organization would like to be featured in the Community Events, Opportunities, and Resources section of an upcoming issue, please click on the link below and complete the Google Form.

Submissions must be received no later than the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We will highlight activities, events, opportunities, resources, and volunteer requests for disability-related events if you submit your information in the submission form. Thank you!

BSF-GCAN Newsletter Submission Form

Inspire Speech and Feeding

Inspire Speech and Feeding is expanding into the Greenville area, offering specialized therapy services for infants and children with speech, feeding, and oral motor needs. Their team supports families navigating speech delays, picky eating, feeding challenges, and early oral development concerns with individualized, family-centered care.

With a strong focus on myofunctional therapy (targeting skills like tongue posture, breathing, and swallowing), Inspire works to build a strong foundation for communication and feeding success. They are excited to partner with local providers and serve as a trusted resource for families in our community.

Bridged

Extended School Year (ESY) Guide

Free Resource from Bridged: ESY Checklist

Wondering if your child qualifies for Extended School Year (ESY)? This simple, easy-to-use checklist from Bridged is designed to help families feel more confident when navigating the ESY process. Explore their latest blog (with video) and download the FREE checklist for key guidance on what to know, what to ask, and what to prepare as you advocate for your child’s needs.

USA Pickleball

Wheelchair National Championships: Support a Local Athlete

Prisma Health

Roger C. Peace Adaptive Sports and Wellness Center

SC Assistive Technology Program

Adaptive Book Workshop

Adapted Book Workshop (Free Training Opportunity)

Join the SC Assistive Technology Program for a hands-on Adapted Book Workshop, April 23–24 in Columbia, SC. This engaging training brings together families, educators, and professionals to learn how to create accessible, sensory-friendly book kits that support communication and literacy for children with disabilities. Participants will leave with completed adapted book kits ready to use at home or in the classroom. Space is limited, and registration is required—reserve your spot today!

SC Works

Career and Resource Fair

Friday, April 24th, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m

This event is outdoors. Food trucks will be available on-site. Light snacks will be provided.

Registration closes: April 1 | Location: Lifelong Learning - 206 Wilkins St., Greenville 29605

SC Works Career and Resource Fair Registration

Washington Center

Walk & Roll

Washington Center Walk & Roll – Saturday, April 25

Join the Washington Center PTA for their annual Walk & Roll on Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM! This fun, family-friendly event supports students and includes a silent auction.

Registration is $25 for individuals (includes one tee-shirt) or $40 for families (includes two tee-shirts; additional shirts available for $10). Be sure to register by April 10 to guarantee your T-shirt. Use the button below to sign up!

Washington Center Walk & Roll Registration

Applied Theatre Center

A Time to Laugh - Spectrum Theatre

Greenville CAN Lunch & Learn Series

Join us on Thursday, May 14 at the Kroc Center Greenville (424 Westfield St, Greenville, SC 29601) for our May Lunch & Learn, featuring Prisma Day Treatment Program for Behavioral Health.

Prisma Health offers innovative first-in-state behavioral health therapies and increased access to outpatient care at the new Behavioral Health and Wellness Pavilion on the Greenville Memorial Hospital campus.

Prisma cares for patients facing mental health challenges; offering expertise, experience, care and compassion during challenging times.

Patients have access to a variety of behavioral health care programs to suit their needs, such as traditional therapy and day treatment programs. These programs benefit patients who don’t require hospital-level care but would benefit from treatment that’s more intensive than regular office visits.

Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026

Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: Kroc Center Greenville, 424 Westfield St, Greenville, SC 29601

RSVP by: Tuesday, May 12 at 12:00 p.m.