Be the spark that can ignite a nation. Newly made parents of a child born with special needs, quickly learn that navigating the world that has put up barriers to inclusion and general support can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. From the initial diagnosis to the ongoing search for the right resources and [...]
Happy Birthday Chris Today May 15 is the day my son Christopher was born. 5 year ago today, our family held a Celebration of his spectacular life. Christopher was a special young man. Sweet and kind, resilient and brave, he loved everyone he met. His work on earth was inspirational, as he fought through disability [...]
December Caregiver of the Month - Lucille Rogers Elementary School, Special Education Team "Thank you so much for recognizing the incredible Rogers Elementary School special education team with the honor of being the Christopher Smith Foundation December 2023 caregivers. Your story is an inspiration and we are so honored to be partners with you [...]
November Caregiver of the Month - Kim J. What do you want to be when you grow up? “A Mom,” I would always answer. I knew from a very young age that is what I wanted to be: a “Mom.” I thought I had Life all figured out… Tashina (‘Kitty’ is her preferred nickname) was [...]
The Clark County Children’s Mental Health Consortium (CCCMHC) has developed this 10-Year Strategic Plan to guide our community in providing mental health services to children with emotional disturbance and their families. Link to Strategic Plan We encourage you to read the 2019 Community Input Survey (p.59) as it highlights parent and provider thoughts [...]
The ups and downs of Downs If you want to feel good and know what world peace and optimism is, you must first take a lesson form the most misunderstood and neglected people in human history, folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their resilient parents. Most parents are introduced to their children’s disabilities by [...]
To Caregivers everywhere, a special heartfelt message to you and all the wonderful people whose lives have been made better in service to vulnerable people universally. Your support of folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities and of the families who love them is noticed and appreciated. The following is an excerpt from a message [...]
The birth of a child with a disability, or the discovery that a child has a disability, can have profound effects on the family. Although Christopher's birth was a life changing experience, without him, I would not have become who I am. It was Christopher's inspiration, the warmth of his ever-present hugs, the love in [...]
No parent wants his or her child to be sick, disabled, or harmed in any way. It is not an experience anyone expects to have; rather, it is a journey that is unplanned. The road families must travel is often rough in places. And yet, most families find the strength within themselves and among their [...]
The Christopher Smith Foundation is so very proud to recognize Lauren Abercrombie, an amazing disability leader and caregiver, as our May Caregiver of the Month. Lauren is an inspiring and courageous woman who defied the odds and built Project Inclusion and Inclusion Fusion, two needed and respected disability programs in Southern Nevada. She was nominated [...]
