B&G Hope Grant - Bringing E-Stim Spinal Stimulation Therapy to SWLA!
Applications open May 15, 2025 and close August 1st, 2025.
The B&G Hope Grant is specifically designed to support healthcare and therapy initiatives in SWLA!
We are thrilled to announce that this year, Families for Inclusion is partnering with Gerti Motavalli, MPT—founder of Spinal Stimulation therapy—to bring the NISE-Stim Level I Training to Southwest Louisiana through the 2025 B&G Hope Grant. This nationally recognized, hands-on course will take place on September 13–14 at Garber Auditorium on the St. Patrick Hospital campus in Lake Charles. Designed for Physical Therapists (PTs), PTAs (with PT supervision), and Occupational Therapists (OTs), the training offers 16 contact hours and focuses on Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation for pediatric patients with Spina Bifida, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, and other neuromotor conditions. Participants will also gain expertise in the Turtle Bracing technique—an affordable and adaptable bracing solution for growing children. Thanks to the B&G Hope Grant, up to 30 therapists practicing in the five-parish region (Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis) will have their full $660 course fee covered. Applications open May 15—stay tuned for the link!
2024 B&G Hope Grant recipients!
Families for Inclusion Expands Access to Specialized Therapy in Southwest Louisiana with B&G Hope Grant
This August, Families for Inclusion launched the B&G Hope Grant, a groundbreaking initiative to fill a major gap in pediatric therapy right here in Southwest Louisiana. This grant funds certification for local Physical and Occupational Therapists in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Therapy, a specialized approach that helps children with unique developmental and mobility needs. Up until now, families needing DMI Therapy have had to travel to Houston or Baton Rouge because we simply didn’t have certified providers in the area.
Originally set to fund one certification, the B&G Hope Grant has now expanded, thanks to Children’s Miracle Network and a generous private donor, to support four therapists. With this new capacity, Southwest Louisiana will soon be a go-to hub for DMI Therapy, supporting local families and drawing others from around the state who seek this essential care.
Parents are already seeing the life-changing effects of DMI Therapy. Jenny Thomas, mother of Amelia, shared that since starting DMI, Amelia has gained strength and is now bearing weight on her arms—something she couldn’t do before.
The B&G Hope Grant has supported these outstanding local therapists:
Abby Bell with Maxx Physical Therapy
Megan Gallien at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s Outpatient Physical Therapy
Brittany Jones from Therapy Works
Laura Hanchey with St. Nicholas Center
These therapists are committed to practicing in our area for at least five years after certification, ensuring sustained, local access to DMI Therapy for families in need. The B&G Hope Grant exemplifies Families for Inclusion’s commitment to bridging vital therapy access gaps and fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.