Meredith's Message - Winter 2020

Happy Holidays to you and your family!  As CFEC reflects on the past year, we are incredibly grateful for many of this year’s successes and the outstanding support we have received from you during this challenging time for our community and country. CFEC knows that our ability to be resilient and navigate the pandemic is due to the hard work of our board, staff, families, and volunteers as well as the strong foundation CFEC stands on due to the dedication of countless individuals who have committed themselves to helping children and families thrive for nearly 70 years.  I had the opportunity to get to know one such individual this year, retired Reverend Burke E. Holland.It was a joy to listen and learn from Reverend Holland about the community’s efforts, in the 1970s, to found The Special Children’s School.  Many individuals and community organizations came together to found the school – recognizing the critical need for children with special needs and their families to have high-quality early interventions that would give these students and their families the tools to reach their fullest potential in life. The school began with one paid staff person and volunteers.  Today the school has grown to serve 100+ students each year with an outstanding staff of about 70 teachers, therapists, administrators, and family support coordinators.And there are countless others. We stand on their shoulders and are grateful for the foundation they built for us today. We know where we are going in 2021, and will never forget where we came from.  Have a a safe and healthy holiday season!