Through the generosity of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, families of medically fragile and special needs children across Georgia are now able to apply for and receive direct financial assistance and support services from a state-wide nonprofit collaborative to help cover the costs of caring for their children at home.  The $4.87 million, multi-year grant to Easter Seals Southern Georgia for the Champions for Children with Exceptional Needs Initiative (Champions for Children) was made possible by a one-time 2006 Georgia legislative allocation.

During the Champions for Children five-year grant period (2008-2012), $500,000 is available annually for families in need of financial assistance to cover expenses including therapies, medications, and other goods and services for their children. An additional $1.5 million will be invested in a permanent trust to provide direct financial assistance in perpetuity.

To carry out the Champions for Children work, Easter Seals Southern Georgia has partnered with the four other Easter Seals affiliates in Georgia: Easter Seals North Georgia, Easter Seals East Georgia, Easter Seals West Georgia, and Easter Seals Middle Georgia, and with Parent to Parent of Georgia. The group is called the Easter Seals Georgia Coalition. Services will be phased in by affiliates for 2008: April 1 in South Georgia, July 1 in North Georgia and October 1 in Middle, East and West Georgia.

Through the Champions for Children grant, families are able to connect with a Champions for Children Coordinator who will work directly with families to determine eligibility, identify the service needs as described by the family, and connect them with resources and services. In addition, coordinators will also promote the program and raise awareness of other resources and services in the community.