Page 13 - 2023_CFS_AnnualReport

Nurturing Growth: Empowerment Through

Early Intervention

Children's Friend's dedication to nurturing and empowering families, Our multidisciplinary approach and family-centered services ensure
led us to Adam and Michelle. Adam was referred to Children's Friend every child receives the support they need to thrive. Stories like
after he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). At the Adam's serve as a testament to our ability to empower families as
time of diagnosis, Adam's mother, Michelle, had recently become they navigate adversity.
a single parent. She was navigating this major life transition and
supporting Adam and his two siblings as best she could. Despite her
resilience, the family did not have the support it needed.

Their lives were transformed through the dedication of our Early
Intervention team. Over a six-month period, our compassionate
workers, Shanik Pimentel and Marilenis Perez—along with their
supervisor, Liz Lanni—helped the family deal with the multiple
challenges that can accompany an autism diagnosis. They helped
Michelle access Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) resources and
collaborated with the school department to ensure tailored support
for Adam's educational needs.

Michelle was also empowered by workers at Children's Friend to
reach out to neighbors and explain Adam's diagnosis, which helped
resolve misunderstandings. Today, the family has greater support
within their community. NURTURING CHILDREN. EMPOWERING FAMILIES.

Early Intervention provides services to children under age three with
developmental delays or disabilities. Over the past two decades,
Children’s Friend has reached thousands of children and families
through Early Intervention, nurturing the potential of every child.

13