Chief development officer Laura Lafakis says for parents who both maintain full-time careers, URS has become an invaluable source of support. A case in point is Violet Cates. Violet’s mother works at Wright State Physicians and her father works at Navistar. The family lives in Fairborn.
Violet, now 2 years old, was diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects girls and can cause severe developmental delays, seizures, and vision problems.
“Since joining URS in October 2022, she has made remarkable progress through the center’s integrated therapy services,” said Lafakis. “Through twice-weekly physical therapy sessions, Violet has transformed from being unable to roll independently or sit upright for more than five seconds to now sitting independently, rolling over, and maintaining energy throughout her 30-minute therapy sessions.”
Lafakis said Violet’s occupational therapy, which began in April 2023, has helped her develop purposeful movement in her left arm, allowing her to activate switch toys and engage in play activities. Additionally, since starting speech and feeding therapy in October 2023, Violet has begun incorporating more sounds in her babbling and is learning to use a communication device to express her basic needs.”
URS, with its Gold Star rating from Ohio’s Step Up to Quality program, is the only Child Care Service with Early Childhood Education and School-Age Programs provider in the region offering on-site Nursing Services and Therapies under one roof, making it possible to meet the needs of medically fragile children like Violet. This comprehensive approach allows parents to maintain their careers while ensuring their children receive the highest quality care and therapeutic services.
Here’s what they most need. Note that items can be “gently used.”
Therapeutic and development items
- Scooter boards and balance stepping stones
- Sensory chairs and foot cushions
- Foam balance beams
- EazyHold grip devices for hand therapy
Educational and learning tools
- Science and math activity materials
- Board games and card games
- Wooden puzzles with large pieces and knobs
- Educational sticker books and activity sets
Sensory and play items
- Musical toys and instruments
- Stacking and building toys
- Ball towers and marble runs
- Sensory reflective balls
Art and creative supplies
- Construction paper and card stock
- Watercolor paper and paints
- Colored pencils and crayons
- Stickers and stamps
- Canvases and tie-dye kits
Books
- Interactive and sensory books
- Diverse children’s literature
- Educational picture books
Drop off your donations between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 4710 Old Troy Pike, Dayton, OH 45424. To make special arrangements, contact Sarah Gradel at
sgradel@ursdayton.org or 937-853-5430 to make arrangements.
You can also order these items on Amazon at https://tinyurl.com/3f73fy48
Visit www.ursdayton.org to learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Dayton-area nonprofit organizations and their specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to share with our readers, contact Meredith: meredith.moss@coxinc.com. Please include a daytime phone number and a photo that reflects your group’s mission.
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