Cultivating Nurturing Environments for Children

The Centers for Exceptional Children provides a critical combination of support services, programs, and facilities so that children with special needs and their families can thrive.

“Each day, we dedicate ourselves to serving some of the most vulnerable children and families in our community. We educate. We mentor. We share resources. We support one another. We help parents cultivate a nurturing family environment,” said executive director, Meredith Flowe.

Through this work, the organization recognizes the importance of using an equity lens to ensure that families have the resources they need to succeed. A Capacity-Building Grant from the Foundation supported development of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Plan, and the staff is beginning to translate their plan into action.

“It takes a village to raise a child—particularly those with special needs. By using an equity lens, we know we can create a village that’s stronger than ever,” said Flowe.