Claire is our new Senior Director of Programs, but first and foremost she’s a parent to Sarah, one of our long-time participants. Sarah started participating in camp when she was 6 or 7 and has been a participant ever since. She’ll turn 25 this summer.

The whole family has been a part of Hand in Hand for many years, participating in many Hand in Hand activities and events including the Chili Cook-Off, with Claire serving on the event committee and as a member of the board.

“Camp has been an annual tradition with our whole family getting involved. Sarah’s twin sister and I spent one summer volunteering in the craft tent while my son acted as a volunteer buddy. My husband helped grill hamburgers and hot dogs for the family dinner several times. The camp dinner was a wonderful opportunity to talk to other families about challenges and joys of our “extra-special” children,” said Claire.

“As Hand in Hand activities grew, we grew with them, attending Taekwondo, Inspiration Studio, and Food, Friends, and Fun,” said Claire.  “We tried everything that was offered at least once to see what Sarah enjoyed the most.”

Although Sarah and her siblings were raised in Iowa, the family decided to make the move to North Carolina in September of 2022. The couple had remote jobs and wanted to move to a sunnier climate where they’d eventually retire.  They settled in North Carolina to follow their son and daughter-in-law. While there, Sarah attended a top-rated day-hab program, but it was structured with classrooms and changing schedules.

“It was so different from PWP that goes out into the community allowing participants to feel that they are “working” and doing something meaningful,” Claire explained. “In addition, Sarah was put on a 10-12 year waiting list even though she has had waiver in Iowa for over 15 years!  In researching waivers in advance of the move, all signs pointed to an easy transition of funding.  That was absolutely not the case once we submitted all her paperwork.  That meant Sarah’s day-hab costs were all out-of-pocket and very expensive.”

The family soon decided North Carolina wasn’t for them and they made plans to move back to Iowa.

“While North Carolina was lovely and had perfect weather with the added bonus of being two hours from the beach, we missed so many things about home!  Sarah also missed her twin sister terribly!” said Claire.

The family decided to head back to Iowa in late 2023 and their first call was to Hand in Hand.

“Moving back was a very smooth transition!  The first call I made was to Hand in Hand, even before making the final decision to move back.  I wanted to make sure Sarah would be able to resume her participation with PWP,” Claire explained.

They also reconnected with a dear friend who helped pick up Sarah after her day at People with Purpose.

 “Sarah is thrilled to be back and loves having her routine and people back!” Claire said. “While we made wonderful friends and participated in lots of activities in North Carolina like dance, baseball, theater, and basketball, Sarah is definitely more at ease to be back home in Iowa!”

Sarah is now settled back into a routine attending People with Purpose as well as her favorite recreation programs like Movie Night and Saturday Night Social. Claire said that Sarah has learned independence and communication skills because of Hand in Hand programs and says that their whole family has been helped by Hand in Hand.

“Our whole family has benefited from the support of staff and other families we have met through Hand in Hand,” said Claire.  We have often called on these resources as challenges have come up to see how others have handled things like guardianship and trusts.”

“Our goals for Sarah have always been around safety and happiness!  And she finds both when she is at Hand in Hand!”

Not only has Sarah found a home Hand in Hand but so has Claire as our new Senior Director of Programs.

“Hand in Hand has always been a part of my personal world!  I feel privileged to add it to my work world!  I am passionate about the mission and population that we serve.  As I have said many times in the last few weeks, this is truly my dream job! I feel honored to work with professionals who have such a deep commitment to giving care to children and adults, both typical and neurodivergent.”