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Happy Spring BSF Families & Friends,
What an exciting month we just had!
First and foremost, THANK YOU, to all who supported and attended our first-ever Barbara's Birthday Bash. This year we celebrated what would have been Barbara's 90th birthday and the amazing work she did to make sure that Greenville's disability community had equal opportunities to flourish - through recreation, service provision, employment, independent living, and more.
It's no coincidence that we honored this trailblazer and visionary in the month of March - which is also designated as National Developmental Disabilities Month. Around the state of South Carolina and the country, we recognized advocates within the disability community and we are honored to have been a part of that.
Our mission, to serve as a champion for individuals, and to carry forth Barbara's legacy would not happen if it weren't for YOU, our supporters. The Birthday Bash is no different, proving to be a great success because of YOU. Together we raised a total of $43,000 and had a great time doing so thanks to our bands Kelly Jo, Spencer Rush, and Trey Francis & BabyFreak, an awesome Live Auction, delicious food, dancing, our generous sponsors, guests, and party host, BSF Champion, Nick Skenteris! Not only did we have a blast, we raised awareness about the disability community's needs and the important foundation, which Barbara established in 1968, that "nothing happens for us (disability community), without us."
We'd love to hear your feedback about Barbara's 90th Birthday Bash! Please send us an email with any pictures you took so we can share them on social media. We hope you had a great time and look forward to seeing you at our 6th annual Bingo Bash Sunday, May 7.
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It's time for Bingo Bash! Our annual Bingo Bash is a free entry event with food, drinks, music, prizes, and of course, BINGO.
All proceeds benefit the Barbara Stone Foundation. All are welcome, and we hope to see you there for a fantastic afternoon!
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Sponsorships are also available to purchase until April 10.
Click here to learn more.
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When?
Sunday, May 7th, 2023
2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Where?
NEW LOCATION: Brewery 85
6 Whitlee Court
Greenville, SC 29607
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We just concluded our third month of BSF's newest program, the UP Professional Cohort, and are gearing up for April's meeting, where we'll have guest presenter, Ben Hoeksema, Territory Manager for Spinx joining us. Ben will deliver a workshop focused on Professional Communication. March's Cohort focused on developing SMART goals and participants left the Cohort ready to apply their new personal and professional goals!
Admission into the Professional Cohort is closed for this class but if would like to learn more, please contact our Job Liaison, Hadlee Hoeksema by email: hadlee@barbarastonefoundation.org
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NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, April 25th | |
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Amy Hallasy | |
Longest Serving Board Member | |
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Amy Hallasy (second from left): Mother to Meredith and Savannah Hallasy, Greenville County Schools Special Education Teacher & Barbara Stone Foundation, Board of Directors - Secretary
Board Membership:
I have been on the board for about 13 years, with the exception of a 6-month break. Many of those years I have served as the Secretary, have been on the Grants Committee, as well as the Audit Committee.
Amy’s Introduction and Initial Connection to BSF: I was first introduced to the Barbara Stone Foundation after addressing the Greenville City Council about the needs of people with disabilities. My concern that evening was in regard to a lack of mental health services for people with disabilities and chronic medical conditions. I was approached by a director of the Barbara Stone Foundation Board after the council meeting was adjourned. Within a few days, I received a phone call and was asked to join the board.
Amy’s "Why": I want everyone to know everything they need to care for their family member! All throughout my daughter's life we have been frustrated by a lack of a clear path to services and information. Often parents of children with disabilities find services through word of mouth. Many times children don't receive services because parents don't even know to ask. We don't know what we don't know. Fortunately, Meredith, our daughter was assigned a fantastic social worker in the hospital upon birth. She guided us to things like Tefra Medicaid, the Center for Developmental Services, and the NICU Follow-up Clinic. Since then, we have been confounded every time we learn about a service or benefit that Meredith should have been receiving. Why didn't someone tell us? The truth is, service providers, don't know either!
Hobbies/Interests: In my spare time I am a jack of all trades, master of none. I love outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, paddle-boarding, and kayaking. I love adventures such as snow skiing, zip-lining, love long road trips with my family, and seeing the wonders our country has to offer. Beyond outdoor activities I enjoy reading, bead weaving, cooking, spin classes, exercising, Zumba, painting, crafting, puzzles, live theater, and live music, festivals and even roller skating!
Amy’s Advice: If your child has a disability and receives Medicaid, SSI, or other benefits, you qualify for a $30 discount on your internet or cell phone bill. Who knew??? We just found out this week. Call the National Accessibility Service Center: 1-888-262-1999 and ask about the ACP program.
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Merrick was hired through Launch GVL, a partnership between the Greenville Chamber and Greenville County Schools - and a program we are proud to be a part of. | |
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Please welcome Barbara Stone Foundation's Spring Marketing Intern: Merrick Johnson.
Merrick is a junior at JL Mann High School, where she is a member of the Beta Club, NHS, and UNICEF, and serves as the team captain of the JL Mann Girls Golf Team. She is active with her church and often shares her musical talent on the piano and serves as a youth representative for the Foothills Presbytery. She enjoys reading, playing golf, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Merrick is excited about this opportunity to contribute back to the community through the Barbara Stone Foundation, while learning business skills in marketing and communications - which she plans to study in college. Merrick recently met BSF's Board of Directors, shared a little about her golf game - you might catch her playing 12 holes at Three's - and her plans for increasing BSF's social media presence. We already love working with her and are excited for what's in store!
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Mark Your Calendars!
Jennifer Ferguson, a local author on the autism spectrum, is having a book signing for her children's book, Lenny the Lemming.
It will be held on:
Date: Saturday, April 15th
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Location: M. Judson's Booksellers
(130 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601)
Don't miss this fun event and a chance to support Jennifer!
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April Greenville CAN Lunch & Learn | |
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Date: Thursday, April 13, 2023
Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Location: KROC Center
424 Westfield St. Greenville
Presenter: Rollin' Tigers
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Greenville CAN Disability Employment Discussion Group - April 11 | |
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Greenville CAN's April Disability Employment Discussion Group will feature employer testimonials from employers who prioritize inclusive hiring as a part of their business culture.
The Disability Employment Discussion Group is an open roundtable discussion group for anyone interested in disability employment.
The DEDG:
- Meets every other month
- 12:00 - 1:30pm
- Goodwill (115 Haywood Road Greenville, SC 29607)
- Lunch is provided so we do ask that you register.
If you are interested in learning more or joining the group, please email Chris Sparrow by clicking on the "Register Here" button.
We hope you can join us!
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