Family Connection of SC

Family Connection was founded in 1989 by a group of South Carolina parents who have children with disabilities and special needs. These families realized their source of hope and strength for the future of their children came from other parents who had already successfully navigated life’s similar challenges. In April, 1990 we began operation as an independent, community-based support network founded by families for families that had children of all ages with special needs. In a little more than a year, that vision matured into an active, family-centered organization through the generous support, dedication and cooperation of parents, staff, professionals, volunteers and contributors from across the community. Now we have made thousands of parent-to-parent matches and continue to provide support to our families statewide. Vision Our vision is to build a supportive environment in South Carolina where children with special healthcare needs can reach their full potential. Mission We are a statewide nonprofit organization with the mission to strengthen and encourage families of children with special healthcare needs through parent support.

Family Connection of South Carolina is a statewide nonprofit organization that connects families of children with special healthcare needs or disabilities with helpful resources, support and education. We provide support to parents with a child with any special healthcare need, such as an upcoming surgery, developmental delays, premature birth, physical limitations, and all diagnoses including, but not limited to autism, asthma, ADHD, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. Our support for families includes a vast family-to-family network and a host of programs that educate, inspire and empower families and their children to live rich, fulfilling lives. We are also the parent center for special education services throughout the state, so we remain the point of contact as children transition through the education system, post secondary education and to adulthood. Family Connection SC is South Carolina’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) funded by the U.S. Department of Education to improve the outcomes for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities through information, training and support for their families and caregivers as well as develop partnerships for systemic improvement. We are committed to children and families with the greatest need due to disability or special health/mental health needs; poverty; discrimination based on race, sex, language, immigrant or homeless status; involvement in the foster care, child welfare, or juvenile justice systems; geographic location; or other special circumstances.