The last six months have been quite the journey, establishing Kayla’s Directory and getting it up and running. During this time we have accomplished the following:
- Purchased a Caroline’s Grocery cart for an area merchant
- Encouraged another merchant to purchase their own Caroline’s Cart
- Successfully run an “adaptive” mini-milers program for 15 children with special needs.
- Purchased an all-terrain adaptive stroller for Shelburne Farms (due to arrive in 4 weeks)
- Received funding to run an 8 week “Cooking is for EVERYONE” class at Healthy Living for 20 children with special needs beginning in September
- Begun to organize “Kayla’s First Kickoff” fundraiser for October 15, 2016
This would not have been possible without the help of numerous people along the way. Whether they offered legal advice, directed me in how to fundraise, educated me about social media, helped write grants, helped me to network with organizations within our community, or offered emotional support, these are the people that have gotten Kayla’s Directory to where it is today.
Pauline Law, an attorney for Gravel and Shea, did all the legwork to get Kayla’s Directory to become an official non-profit 501 (3) (c). Her patience while guiding me through the paperwork, answering my questions, and explaining everything was incredibly thorough. She has also been great about answering any follow-up legal questions I needed to have clarified.
Erynne Ross has been incredible at editing things that are published on the website. She has extensive patience for my lack of writing ability and has done a remarkable job at writing several grants the directory has submitted. She too has advised me on multiple occasions about legal responsibilities!
Laura Bonazinga-Bouyea has been extremely helpful in helping me identify services in the community that are available to children with special needs. Her expertise in SLP and autism has also been very helpful when it comes to choosing information that should be on the website.
Kevin Pellon has helped me market Kayla’s Directory to the public. He has offered numerous insights about the social media aspect of Kayla’s Directory. Astoundingly patient, he has attempted to teach me how to use Twitter and Instagram to help Kayla’s Directory grow and communicate. He also has referred me to several people in the community, from news stations to personal friends to businesses. He truly has made a profound impact on the directory.
Nancy Westbrook is a fun, creative individual who has extensive knowledge in running fundraisers for the community. She has taken the lead in the committee for our first annual fundraiser that is being held on October 15th. Even though her family life is hectic, she has been incredible at finding a venue, selecting a theme, securing donation items, and putting everything together. Nancy is having an enormously beneficial impact on Kayla’s Directory getting funds so that the directory can achieve its mission.