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Ronald McDonald House awards grant to Thom Western Regional Consultation Program

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



SPRINGFIELD For the past 20 years, the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts have awarded over $5.5 million to local non-profit organizations striving to improve the health and development of children.

The Thom Western Regional Consultation Program (WRCP) of Springfield was recently announced as one of seven area non-profits to receive a grant from RMHC. The organization was awarded $13,086 to establish an assistive device lending library for the 150 children they serve throughout Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties. The Thom WRCP is one extension of multiple service programs provided by Thom Child & Family Services throughout the state.

"Many children [we serve] many not ever communicate verbally," Karen Cassidy, coordinator of the Thom WRCP, said, adding that this grant allows her organization to purchase various augmentative and assistive communication equipment that many families would be unable to afford otherwise.

She said the program has purchased over 12 devices such as BIGmack Communicators, sign language DVDs and computer software to help children with motor, visual or cognitive impairments communicate with others. Cassidy explained that the devices help children to learn about "cause and effect," specifically, as the children push a button on the device that speaks, "Kiss me Mommy," their mother will give them a kiss. She noted that these devices allow children to learn how to relay their wants and needs to others.

Cassidy said the devices will be lent to Thom WRCP care providers who work with the children and their families in their homes.

She explained that many children served by her organization require the most "complicated care" and suffer from "cerebral palsy, seizure disorders or genetic complications" prohibiting their development.

Cassidy said the grant received by the RMHC greatly enhances the services provided by her organization such as the aforementioned communication devices prove costly.

"The RMHC board of directors is pleased to help such well-deserving organizations dedicated to helping children," Elizabeth Bergstrom, president of the RMHC of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, said. "We're so proud to be able to assist so many programs that improve children's lives and, by extension, their communities. We look forward to continuing our support for other local non-profit organizations determined to help children get the most out of life and prepare for a successful future."

Sarah Melnitsky, spokesperson for the RMHC of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, said the grant was awarded to the Thom WRCP because of the organization's wide variety of services that "get the children the help that they need as soon as possible."

Cassidy noted that her organization provides a multitude of services for children and families including consultation with developmental specialists, nurses, nutritionists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists. This non-profit also provides various programs including family support, respite, playgroups and Early Intervention programs.

For more information about Thom Child & Family Services go to www.thomchild.org.