National Caregivers Conference

The spirit of giving is often felt in the moments when people see a need and choose to act. This season, Family Resource Network is sharing a story that reflects how partnership and practical support can change the everyday life of a family living with disability.  When Deborah’s mother, Fanny, reached out through PerformCare, she was hoping for help that would make transportation safer for her eight-year-old daughter, who uses a wheelchair. Without accessible transportation, even routine trips had become increasingly difficult.   For Deborah and her family, the challenge was immediate and physical. “Before we got the van, we would lift Debbie out of the wheelchair and put her in her car seat,” shared her mother, Fanny Arana. “Then we would have to lift up the wheelchair and fit it in our car. It was completely exhausting, and I was constantly getting injured, so this has changed everything for us.”  Family Resource Network partnered with FTMobility, its installation partner, to assess modification options. During that assessment, it was determined that the family’s existing vehicle was not compatible with available wheelchair-accessible lift systems. The family was faced with the possibility of purchasing a different vehicle, an option that was not financially feasible.  “At FTMobility, we see firsthand how critical accessible transportation is for families,” said Nicole Bryson, President of FTMobility. “When it became clear that the family’s vehicle could not be modified and purchasing a new one wasn’t financially possible, we knew the right next step was to reach out and find a way to help ensure Deborah had a safe and reliable way to travel.”  FTMobility donated a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan, and Family Resource Network coordinated and funded the installation of a motorized wheelchair ramp and adaptive equipment through its Assistive Technology and Home and Vehicle Modifications Program. This ensured Deborah could travel safely and independently without placing an additional financial burden on her family.  “We are so privileged to be chosen to receive this amazing donation of a car that we needed so badly,” Fanny said. “This has been a huge blessing that we will be forever grateful for. We are so honored by this, and our lives have been completely changed by this experience.”  The fully accessible van, equipped with a motorized ramp, was presented as a surprise to the Arana family at the Spring Lake Hope Foundation Holiday Luncheon, bringing together the family and partners, including FTMobility and Family Resource Network, who helped make the project possible.  “When a family reaches out for help, they’re usually carrying more than one challenge at a time,” said Liza Gundell, President and CEO of Family Resource Network. “This story reflects what’s possible when partners listen, collaborate, and prioritize a child’s safety while easing the everyday strain on a family.”  Stories like Deborah’s reflect the work of Family Resource Network’s Assistive Technology and Home and Vehicle Modifications Program and the organization’s commitment to ensuring no one has to navigate the challenges of living with disability alone.