Member Service Representative Katie Fowler paid forward $500 to the Laurens County Disabilities and Special Needs Board (LCDSNB) in honor of her mother, Marlyce.
Katie says, “My mom has cerebral palsy, and growing up I watched her struggle not only with daily activities but with a society that treated her as different. I want people to realize that just because someone is disabled, it doesn’t mean they aren’t as capable as anyone else.”
LCDSNB, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, supports Laurens County residents with developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism, head and spinal cord injuries, and related disabilities.
The board also provides services and guidance such as exposure to and participation in the community, job training and career preparation, residential care and support, and case managers to help with benefits and resources.
Associate Director Tara Glenn says donations like Katie’s are used to provide help above and beyond the board’s budgeted assistance, such as birthday and Christmas presents, local trips, and seasonal clothing.
“We also use donated funds to assist with events such as Prom, Special Olympics, and other events. We are proud to say that 100% of all donated funds go to support those with disabilities. There are no administrative fees applied to donations,” says Glenn.
To learn more about the Laurens County Disabilities and Special Needs Board, call (864) 682-2314 or visit lcdsnb.org.
The Pay It Forward program began in 2015.
Every Laurens Electric Cooperative employee is entered into a random drawing to receive $500 to pay forward in any way they choose. Each month a new name is drawn, and the employee then has one month to apply the funds toward their own act of kindness.
This initiative is budget-neutral; the funds will come from Laurens Electric’s charity events, which employee volunteers make possible.
Employees and the community will enable individual employees to help individuals in the community, and that’s a win-win situation.
