Helping children communicate one Small Step at a time Small Steps in Speech
Winter 2013
Our Small Steps Have Taken Giant Leaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2 Saddle Up for Hippotherapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 A Message from our Founder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 Community Events Honor and Remember Marc Small . . . . . . . . Pages 4 & 5
Our Inspiration Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small was a Special Forces medical sergeant assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in the United States Army. On February 12, 2009 Marc was killed in action serving his country in Afghanistan. Marc was a native of Collegeville, PA and volunteered for military service after being deeply impacted by the tragedy of 9/11. He entered the Army in December 2004 as a Special Forces Trainee and earned the coveted "Green Beret" in 2007. During his time in Afghanistan, Marc treated up to 50 patients a day, many of whom were children. Marc’s family, friends and fellow soldiers remember Marc for his exuberant love of life, well-developed sense of humor and quiet
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dedication to completing each task at the highest level of excellence. Small Steps in Speech is the perfect way to remember not only Marc's love of children, but also his sacrifice. Small Steps in Speech was founded by Marc’s fiancée, Amanda Charney, a school based speech and language pathologist specializing in early childhood development and developmental disorders to honor Marc’s memory. This non-profit foundation is the perfect way to keep Marc's memory alive and hold him close to our hearts. Please turn to the article on page 4 to read more about the ways individuals are remembering Marc, whether they knew him personally or have been moved by his and Amanda’s story.
Meet Noah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7 Meet Allison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
We Won!!!
Eagle Rare Life Award
Thank you to everyone who was so dedicated in voting for Amanda’s Story during the Eagle Rare Life competition. Your support paid off! We were thrilled to be chosen as one of the top 20 stories, based in large part on the enthusiastic voting for Amanda’s story: how she not only founded Small Steps in Speech, but has also donated her time to work with special needs children in orphanages in India. We are happy to announce that through Amanda, Small Steps in Speech has been awarded one of the seven $3,000 grants! This prize will have an impact on so many children who will receive support from Small Steps in Speech. Amanda certainly lives a Rare Life, but we could not have won this grant without your support! Thank you to all who voted and a very special thank you to the generous folks at Eagle Rare for highlighting so many who have made this world a better place.
Small Steps in Speech
Winter 2013
Our Small Steps Have Taken Giant Leaps! By Wendy Christie It is hard to believe that it has been just four years since Staff Sgt. Marc Small, our inspiration, was taken from us. Within months of SSG Small’s death in February 2009, his fiancée Amanda Charney founded Small Steps in Speech, applied for 501(c)3 status and in 2010 the first grants were awarded to children with speech and language disorders. Since then, because of the generosity of people like you, we have been able to help over 200 children and organizations! If we were concerned with connecting with those who need assistance, we should not have been, because those who need our help have found SSIS! In 2011, we saw an amazing 260% increase in applications over 2010 and experienced an additional 200% increase in 2012. As you can see in the charts, we have enjoyed steady growth in both applications received and awards granted and are thrilled to have awarded over $200,000 in just three years.
Grant Applications Received and Awarded 2010-2012
Total Number of Grants Awarded and Dollar Value of Awards 2010-2012
How do we reach our audience? By attending the Annual Convention of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), we are able to meet therapists and service providers throughout the country. These individuals return home to share news of SSIS, resulting in 30% of SSIS applicants reporting that they were referred by their child’s service provider (speech therapists, case worker, educators, etc.). An even higher number of applicants (40%) found SSIS through internet searches.
Who are we serving? In 2012 we awarded grants to 72 children and 7 organizations. Across all age groups, the majority are males. Our reach across the country is ever expanding. As seen in the chart on page 3, in 2010 we received applications from 9 states and by 2012 we received applications from 26 states.
Although 42% of our grants awarded in 2012 were to children with a diagnosis of apraxia or other speech and language disorders, 28% were to children with a primary diagnosis of communication disorders relating to autism. In 2012, 83% of funds awarded were for speech therapy and 13% were for technology tools and devices. Article continues on page 6
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Small Steps in Speech
A Message From Our Founder As I reflect on the past four years since Small Steps in Speech was founded, I am amazed. I am amazed by the donors who have supported our mission allowing us to disperse more than $200,000, amazed by the national reach, and amazed by the number of volunteers behind this organization. SSIS has become a group effort not only internally, but also within communities. Those who believe in our mission by spreading our word nationally comfort me. For those who have donated and/or started their own fundraiser for Small Steps in Speech, I am grateful. Although the growth has been wonderful, it also brings sadness as it symbolizes another year without Staff Sgt. Marc Small, the motivation and angel behind this organization. Marc had a caring heart, a love that was full of a fun-natured energy, which is being passed on to these children through the grants provided by Small Steps in Speech. I hope that you will become more familiar with Small Steps in Speech. Look through the website. Learn about our inspiration, Marc, his good works and the works of SSIS throughout our first four years. Most of all, thank you.
Winter 2013
Saddle Up for Hippotherapy; an Emerging Therapy Technique with Impressive Results By Amanda Charney Hippotherapy is a treatment strategy using equine movement to facilitate therapies, including speech therapy. I became curious about this method of treatment after receiving a request for funding for hippotherapy. Ironically, I was able to meet and discuss this topic with Ms. Melanie McDonald, President, Texas Speech & Hearing Association at the 2012 ASHA Convention. Ms. McDonald told me about her daughter who has used hippotherapy for children with autism. According to the Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding website, “Various children, experiencing difficulty attending and participating in traditional speech and language clinical treatments, find speech and language hippotherapy intensely pleasing. Speech and Language functioning cannot be separated from the rest of human structure and function.” The very act of balancing on the horse requires the posture necessary for proper speech production. Dutch Henry writes in The Epoch Times about Toby Freeman’s work at HorseTalk Therapy, “Toby lifted 4-year-old Nathan’s tiny hand and touched it to the horse’s withers. She tapped the horse gently with Nathan’s hand while saying, “Go.” The horse stepped forward. Nathan smiled. She
held his hand and tapped the horse again while clearly giving the verbal command “Go.” The horse took another step. Nathan’s grin widened. Toby released Nathan’s hand and looked encouragingly into the boy’s eyes as the horse waited for his next cue. Without hesitation, Nathan tapped
the horse. Nothing happened. The smile faded from Nathan’s face, but he tapped the horse again. And again. Toby smiled at him, touched her finger to her lips, and mouthed the word “command.” Nathan struggled to understand, but Toby continued to demonstrate, waiting patiently for him to try again. Suddenly Nathan’s face lit up. He tapped the horse and blurted out, “Go horsey!” − the first words he’d ever spoken. Hippotherapy is an exciting strategy for speech therapists. For more information, www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org, www.nhhorsetalk.com, www.sheacenter.org.
Donate to Small Steps in Speech! Donate to Small Steps in Speech! There are many ways to help make a difference in a child’s life: through PayPal on our website, a check to our post office box, payroll deduction to United Way (we are a member of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southeastern New Jersey, #49531), and employer match programs.
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Small Steps in Speech
Winter 2013
COMMUNITY EVENTS HONOR AND REMEMBER MARC SMALL By Amanda Charney Small Steps in Speech is the grateful recipient of support from a wide variety of community organizations. What is most remarkable about the fundraisers in Marc’s name is the diversity. Although Marc may not have appreciated all this attention, it is clear that his memory has mobilized action from hundreds of people he never knew. From a group supporting active military to a motorcycle club, schools and businesses holding Jeans Days and a six year-old boy holding a lemonade stand, Marc continues to be remembered and honored. We would like to share with you a number of the organizations that recognized Marc and his heroism in the last year.
funds for Small Steps in Speech. Over 600 family, friends, neighbors, Special Forces Team Mates, serious runners and neighborhood walkers, and individuals who did not know Marc, but wish to pay respect to his life, gather for a morning of exercise and remembrance.
Treats for Troops For the last five years Director Fred Klevan has organized an effort to prepare care packages for troops serving overseas. In December 2012 Marc’s family and I joined local active soldiers,
On Your Marc 5K Run/Walk Marc’s younger sister Megan MacFarland founded this annual event in 2009 on the weekend of Marc’s birthday as a way to bring people together to honor and remember Marc while raising
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Charity Motorcycle Ride For three years the South Jerz Riderz Motorcycle Club has held a ride in Marc’s name. Each year more funds and awareness are raised throughout the Delaware Valley. Club President Marianne Everett reported in 2012, “The ride is both an honor and a privilege to do!!...SJR tried to focus more on Marc and the fallen soldier this past year…what they (service members) do for us every day… protecting us here at home and keeping us safe, you can’t say thank you enough. It’s the least we can do to take some time and reflect on those who make the ultimate sacrifice.”
Marc J. Small Memorial Soccer Tournament families and friends of soldiers to prepare 230 care packages. The 2012 Treats for Troops was dedicated to SSG Marc J Small. We were delighted that Mr. Klevan chose to honor Marc for his service and ultimate sacrifice for our country. As if that wasn’t enough, Treats for Troops made a generous donation to SSIS for the work we do in Marc’s name.
In 2009 Kim and Bill Gray, neighbors of SSG Marc Small, established a scholarship program, the Marc J Small Scholarship, for one graduating male and one female soccer player at Methacton High School. Marc graduated from Methacton High School in 1997 and had a great love for the game of soccer, playing throughout his high school years. Article continues on page 5
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Small Steps in Speech
Winter 2013
Continued fron page 4
Beer Exchange Ellen Johnston, SSIS Director and former babysitter of Marc, held a Beer Exchange fundraiser in the fall of 2012. Ellen knew Marc loved craft beer, family and friends, so she created a fundraiser around this idea. Ellen hosted a warm friend and fundraising event in her home celebrating Marc and SSIS.
Lemonade Stand “The tournament is a fun filled event with children and adult teams participating throughout the day. This year was a huge success with over 450 players and over 200 spectators. We also added a pee-wee division this year for the three and four year old players,” stated Kim Gray. So far $15,000 has been awarded in scholarship monies to Methacton High School graduating seniors in Marc’s name.
Classic Car Show Although Mr. Scott Yates, of MacKenzie and Yates Martial Arts, never knew Marc, upon learning of Marc’s sacrifice, Scott felt compelled to raise money for SSIS. He makes a promise in front of hundreds of people each year to raise more money than the previous year through a Classic Car show and so far he has kept his promise! Scott also holds a Break-a-Thon with his karate students. As a martial arts instructor, Scott demonstrates courage and strength to his students, qualities that are shared by children who work so hard to overcome communication disorders.
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CrossFit WOD Several CrossFit gyms throughout the country have created a WOD (workout of the day) in honor and remembrance of SSG Marc Small called the Smalls. We’ve heard that the Smalls WOD is a very challenging workout; just as its namesake would have wanted! CrossFit gyms across the country have adopted the Smalls WOD and some have made it into a fundraiser for SSIS, including four in North Carolina through the help of Amy Bright and one in Williamstown, New Jersey through CrossFit Off the Grid. A big thank you to CrossFit owner and Marc’s military friend, John McPherson, Houston CrossFit who raised over $1,500 for SSIS during a Smalls WOD on February 12, 2012. If you are a CrossFit owner or a member of the CrossFit family and want to help SSIS raise money by hosting a Hero WOD, please contact us at info@smallstepsinspeech.org.
On Memorial Day 2012, six year – old Colin Murray, who has had speech therapy since the age of two, persuaded his mom to allow him to have a lemonade stand. His mom suggested he donate some of the proceeds to charity. Since Colin was in Amanda’s class the year Marc went to Afghanistan and participated in making pictures to send to Marc, he quickly chose to honor Marc and share the proceeds with Small Steps in Speech. In addition to these great events, so many kind people have honored Marc’s memory through Dress Down days at work, making a donation in lieu of wedding favors, designating memorial contributions to SSIS and designating United Way payroll deductions. We are grateful for those remembering Marc and the organization founded in his name and encourage you to join our community, create your own fundraiser for SSIS, not only to further our mission, but also to remember and honor SSG Marc J Small.
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Small Steps in Speech
Winter 2013
Our Small Steps Have Taken Giant Leaps! Continued from page 2 We are proud of SSIS and you should be, too! Without your support, we could not begin to accomplish the work that we do. Our many donors have brought us so very far in the last 4 years. You have helped us remember a fallen soldier in an immensely positive way while creating hope and tangible improvements for children and their families. Can you imagine the heartbreak of not being able to understand your own child? With your help we are giving the gift of speech, which in turn creates stronger families and stronger communities. 2013 brings perhaps the most ambitious challenge to SSIS: to raise the funds needed to support the ever increasing number of children who need help funding the therapies,
Geographical Region of Applicants by Year
devices, camps, and programs that will help them take the Small Steps towards improved speech. With the number of applications received doubling every year, we may not be in the position to offer aid to every qualified candidate. We hope that you will
consider a gift to Small Steps in Speech. The enclosed envelope is one way to donate. You may also donate on our website: ww.smallstepsinspeech.org. Thank you for your interest and your support.
Meet Noah Over the last three years, SSIS has been delighted to offer assistance to over 120 children and organizations that help children take the steps necessary to improve their ability to communicate. Among the many success stories are Noah and Allison. Noah has a diagnosis of autism with negatively impacts his communication. After working for a year with a speech therapist funded by SSIS, Noah’s therapist reported that “Noah has now established functional verbal communication and is much more responsive to language and instruction. He is now
able to communicate verbally to make requests and is less frustrated behaviorally.” ~Noah’s Speech Therapist The most precious goal for every special needs child is to fit in with his/her peers. Noah’s dad shared what the gift of speech therapy has meant to Noah and his family. “Noah’s social and communication skills have progressed very rapidly, even to the point where they are integrating him for a few hours a day into a General Education classroom. As a father, I am overjoyed with this. I believe his work with his therapist has greatly contributed to
his success and is only possible due to the support from your great organization. Thank you.” ~Noah’s Dad
S T AY C O N N E C T E D Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter (@SSinSpeech)
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Small Steps in Speech
Winter 2013
Upcoming Events for 2013
Board of Directors
May: Better Hearing and Speech Month.
Amanda Charney, Founder & Executive Director
We encourage you to hold a fundraiser on behalf of Small Steps in Speech. Please check our website for updated events. www.smallstepsinspeech.org.
Mary MacFarland, President
Classic Car Show
Kimberly Gray, Treasurer
Jennifer Lindsey, Vice-President
May 11, 2013, MacKenzie & Yates, Atco, New Jersey. www.AtcoMartialArts.com for more information.
Wendy Christie, Secretary
Marc J. Small Memorial Soccer Tournament
Joyce Tierney
June 8, 2013, Lower Providence Township, PA. Contact Kim Gray, kim@smallstepsinspeech.org, for more information.
5th Annual On Your Marc Run/Walk
August 3, 2013, Lower Providence Township, PA. Contact Mary MacFarland, mary@smallstepsinspeech.org for more information about becoming a sponsor or volunteer.
Oktoberfest
October 12, The Paint Works, Gibbsboro, NJ. 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Fun for all ages, including children’s activities, dancing, Oktoberfest foods and beer and raffle baskets.
ASHA Convention
November 14, 16, Chicago, IL. Please come visit us at our booth
Ellen Johnston Allison Wallenhurst Andrew Cormier, Advisory Board Contact Us
Small Steps in Speech P.O. Box 134 Collingswood, NJ 08108 1-888-5-SPEAK (1-888-577-3256) 856-632-7741: Fax info@smallstepsinspeech.org www.smallstepsinspeech.org
Meet Allison This speech grant for our 9 yr. old daughter who has Down Syndrome is a huge blessing and will help her communicate better with her peers and teachers. We were almost to the point of having to stop her therapy because our insurance wasn’t covering it. It was becoming financially a challenge for us when I came across this grant. It brings us great joy to see that others are beginning to understand her more and more. We don’t get as many puzzled looks anymore from others not understanding her. She is now able to tell us what she did each day.
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Thank you for giving back to others. What a great way to honor Marc Small. ~Allison’s Mother Allison is a nine year-old girl with a personality that sparkles. She is caring and considerate of her family and is truly a social butterfly. She demonstrates poor speech intelligibility and pragmatic judgment skills; as well as, scattered weakness in receptive and expressive language skills. Small Steps in Speech is making it possible for Allison to
continue receiving supplemental speech-language therapy and make progress towards her communication and academic goals. ~Allison’s Therapist
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Helping children communicate one Small Step at a time Small Steps in Speech, Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to helping children with speech and language disorders take the steps needed to be better communicators. Through public support, we provide grants on behalf of children for therapies, treatments, communication devices, and other services to improve their communication. The children we help would go without these services or they would otherwise present a financial hardship for their family.
Small Steps in Speech, Inc. P.O. Box 134 Collingswood, NJ 08108 1-888-5-SPEAK-6 (1-888-577-3256) Fax: 856-632-7741 www.smallstepsinspeech.org