Inclusive Communities
For Families for Inclusion, Inclusive Communities means creating environments where individuals of all abilities are welcomed, supported, and able to participate fully in everyday life. This pillar focuses on removing barriers beyond schools and play spaces by expanding access to community resources, public programs, and essential supports. Through partnerships, advocacy, and direct assistance, we work to ensure inclusion is reflected in how communities are designed, services are delivered, and families are supported.
Luke’s Legacy provides direct financial support to individuals and families who need additional resources to improve accessibility and quality of life. The program helps cover costs related to medical needs, accessibility modifications, and other essential supports that are often not fully covered by insurance or traditional funding sources. Through Luke’s Legacy, Families for Inclusion works to ease financial strain and ensure families have the support they need to navigate life with greater dignity, stability, and inclusion.
Luke’s legacy Grant
Family Connections: Connections Day is a community resource event designed to bring individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers together with local service providers and support organizations. Each Connections Day is centered around a specific topic and features a knowledgeable speaker who can share insights, answer questions, and guide meaningful discussion. We anticipate hosting two Connections Day events each year, creating a welcoming, inclusive space for families to connect, learn, and access resources while building stronger support networks within the community.
Connections Day
Parents Night Out provides caregivers the opportunity to take a meaningful break while their children participate in a safe, inclusive, and supervised environment. Designed with accessibility and diverse needs in mind, the program offers engaging activities that allow children to connect and have fun while parents enjoy time to rest, recharge, or focus on themselves. Parents Night Out supports the whole family by recognizing the importance of caregiver well-being as part of building strong, inclusive communities.
Parents Night out
The R.I.D.E.S. Program provides transportation support to individuals and families who face barriers accessing essential services, appointments, and community resources. Through a $250 Lyft voucher, the program helps cover transportation needs related to medical care, therapy, education, and daily living. Eligible individuals may apply once every 90 days, while funds are available, helping reduce transportation challenges and promote access, independence, and dignity. Applications for the R.I.D.E.S. Program will reopen on July 1, 2026.
r.i.d.e.s.
The Avery Lake Emergency Relief Fund was created to support individuals with special needs and their families during unexpected and challenging moments. This program provides emergency financial assistance for situations such as bereavement, disability-related emergencies, insurance denials for essential medical or adaptive equipment, and sudden hardships that directly impact an individual with special needs. Applications are accepted year-round while funds are available, and individuals may reapply every 365 days. All requests are reviewed by the Families for Inclusion Board of Directors, with awards based on available funding and individual circumstances. Our hope is that no family feels alone during a crisis and that this fund offers dignity, comfort, and support when it is needed most.