Child-centered services are life-changing for the children and families who use them. At The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, we prioritize supporting the children, youth, and families who experience the most need with the right combination of resources, removing the barriers families face in supporting their children.

Families raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often face unique and significant challenges. These can include high medical costs, educational needs, and access to specialized services and equipment that may not be covered by insurance. The financial burden can be overwhelming; that’s where the Family Fund steps in, offering vital support to families across our community.

“Too many families struggle to afford the resources their children need,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO. “The Family Fund, along with many of the programs we offer through our Children, Youth, & Their Families services, remove the barriers – financial or otherwise – that often prevent families from accessing essential services and resources for their child(ren).”

What is The Family Fund?

Founded in 2017, The Family Fund is a grant designed to provide financial assistance and essential resources to families navigating the complexities of raising children with disabilities. Many effective resources, therapies, and services make an incredible difference in the quality of life for children with IDD but are not covered by insurance and are out of reach financially for the families who need access to them most. 

“We founded the Family Fund to ensure that families do not have to choose between meeting their child’s basic needs and accessing the critical resources and support they deserve,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth, & Their Families. “In the seven years we’ve been doing this, the fund has grown dramatically, and we’ve seen incredible outcomes from the families and children it has supported.”

The Family Fund has grown from $14,000 in its first year to nearly $95,000 in 2024, granting support to 107 children for things like riding therapy, respite care, educational assistance, specialized therapies, and more. To read more about some of the families the grant has funded, click here.

Why Your Donation Matters

Since 2017, the Family Fund has granted more than $200,000 to hundreds of children with disabilities. The Family Fund is 100% funded by generous donors throughout the community who understand that families don’t always have the financial means to access the resources they need the most.

“We are incredibly grateful that the community sees the need for this program and understands the importance of ensuring that children and families have access to these critical resources,” said Caroline Slobodzian, Director of Development. “The fund has grown tremendously every year, including the creation of an endowment fund last year with the goal of ensuring this legacy of support continues in perpetuity.”

This year, the Family Fund seeks to raise $100,000 to distribute to children and families in early 2025. Families begin applying for the fund on February 1 of each year, and a committee – made up of employees from every level of leadership at The Arc – reviews each application in detail before awarding the funding. Every dollar raised is granted back into the community.

What Your Donation Can Fund:

• Educational Resources: Grants for tutoring, therapy, and other resources to enhance a child’s learning and development.
• Adaptive Equipment: Financial help for devices and tools that improve daily living.
• Healthcare Costs: Support for therapies and essential health services that ensure children get the care they need.
• Family Support Services: Respite care and other services that help families maintain their well-being while caring for their children.

Can We Count On Your Support?

The Family Fund relies on generous contributions to raise the funds that will be distributed to families in 2025. “We need your help,” said Slobodzian. “Every dollar given to the Family Fund directly benefits a child in your local community. The more we raise, the more children and families we can support – and that is the ultimate goal.” It’s easy to give to the Family Fund.

Visit our website to make a secure online donation to support the 2025 Family Fund or Family Fund Endowment.