More than 50 years ago, Barbara Stone brought family advocates, community leaders, and government officials together to establish opportunities for people with disabilities. Through her efforts, she expanded the scope of equitable services and programs available in Greenville to include what is today, Thrive Upstate, as well as Camp Spearhead, and our very own Barbara Stone Foundation.

It is awesome to know that our community was one of the first LEADING EXAMPLES of equitable opportunities for the disability community, nationwide! Barbara, and her many fellow advocates, brought attention to the POWER of OPPORTUNITY and focused on what CAN be done.

If you think about it, Barbara Stone created the first unofficial Greenville CAN (Collaborative Action Network) - our signature initiative - back in the late 60's when she gathered friends, families, and influential leaders and charged our community to do better. We keep that spirit alive!

Today, the official Greenville CAN (a BSF initiative) is a collective impact model guided by the Barbara Stone Foundation Board of Directors and GCAN Coalition Leadership Team. To learn more about Greenville CAN activity, the Coalition Leadership Team, Project Teams and how to get involved, visit our new and improved website: greenvillecan.org. And don't miss Greenville CAN's (FREE) Adaptive Play Day (in partnership with the Kroc Center) on Saturday, April 13. An event that proves the power of opportunity and collaboration - we believe Barbara would be proud! More information and registration below.

This month started with celebrating Barbara's legacy at our 2nd annual Barbara's Birthday Bash - which was a great success. We continue to recognize Barbara's legacy throughout this Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by:

• bringing you this month's newsletter
• extending the deadline for Barbara Stone Community Leadership Award nominations
• inviting you to upcoming BSF/GCAN events and
• sharing community activities or resources

Thank you for letting us be an integral part of your lives, for allowing us to serve this community and for choosing to grow with us. Happy Spring, Greenville!

We will announce this year's Barbara Stone Community Leadership Awardee at Bingo Bash on Sunday, April 28. There's still time to submit your nominations. Just visit our website or click on the link below.

Nominees must:

• Demonstrate long-term involvement with the disability community
• Exemplify the initiative, determination, commitment and spirit of Barbara Stone
• Reside in the SC Upstate
• Be able to attend Bingo Bash on Sunday, April 28
• Accept a donation to a local disability-based non-profit (honoree's choice) on their behalf

WOW Greenville!! YOU showed up in a BIG way. Thank you for your amazing support of Barbara's 91st Birthday Bash.

Together we raised over $70,000!! Our hearts are full and we are grateful. We hope you had a blast and can't wait to party with you next year.

Save the Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025!!

Greenville CAN Adaptive Play Day

We are gearing up for our first-ever Greenville CAN Adaptive Play Day and are thrilled to announce over 20 participating program vendors! Come ready to play, learn more about adaptive recreation opportunities in Greenville, and have the chance to meet more people who are a part of our amazing community. Register today to save your spot!

Waivers will be available at the Greenville CAN event check-in desk and will be required to participate.

Only one month away from our 7th annual BINGO Bash - let's make it the best one yet! If you don't want to miss this fun, family-friendly, Sunday afternoon event at Magnetic South Brewery (in Judson Mill), reserve your spot today (FREE TO PLAY)!

Get ready for a fun silent auction, this year's grant and leadership awards, and keep supporting the Barbara Stone Foundation. Help us meet our $25,000 goal and make it a record-breaking fundraising year! We are grateful for our returning sponsors but are still looking for new sponsors to get us to our goal. We hope to see you there!

The UP Employment Initiative is rocking and rolling its way into Spring. We're proud to announce:

• 17 participants in our year-long Professional Cohort experience (began Jan. 30)
• A new Pre-Employment Training Program (PEP) starting on April 11
• Stay tuned throughout the year for updates and impact stories!

MEET OUR LAUNCH GVL INTERNS

We are so lucky to be Launch GVL partners and extra proud of our dynamic intern duo!

Meet Gracelyn and Madison (pictured left to right)...

Gracelyn Kennington is a junior at Greer High and plays on the varsity basketball team. Outside of school and sports Gracelyn loves to travel. Her favorite places to visit have been the Grand Canyon and St. Croix.

Madison Griffin is a senior at Greenville High and Vice President of the Theatre Club. Although she's been in the theatre club throughout all four years of high school, this year will be her first time on stage.

Both interns are interested in pursuing family law.

WE'RE STILL HIRING!!

Executive Operations Assistant:

The Barbara Stone Foundation is looking for an organized, mission-oriented, self-starter with administrative and development experience. Learn more about our part-time Executive Operations Assistant position below.

Target start date: May 1

View Full Job Description Here

Greenville County Schools Panel:

On the Road to Adulthood

Parents and teachers are invited to attend this upcoming panel focusing on the transition from high school to adulthood - Tuesday, April 2 at

JL Mann Academy. To register: use the QR code or email amims@greenville.k12.sc.us.

Upcountry History Museum - Connections Cafe

Monthly program, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, for individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Programs vary each month but usually include a short meeting with updates from the Alzheimer’s Association, a tour of a Museum exhibition, and a hands-on activity time in the classroom. Connections Café meets the second Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Admission is free for all participants and caregivers. Next Connections Cafe: April 11th - with a special behind-the-scenes look at UHM Collections.

10th Anniversary Advocacy Day for

Access & Independence 2024

At Advocacy Day for Access & Independence, advocates are bringing awareness about Inclusive Community Living, Employment, Transportation, Housing, and ADA & Federal Compliance. SC lawmakers have a role to play in how we access our communities. You can participate in-person or online, and it's free.

Roger C. Peace UCAN Adaptive Sports

Surfers Healing - Folly Beach

Love On The Spectrum

Converge Autism Summit 2024

Date: Thursday, April 11, 2024

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Location: KROC Center

424 Westfield St. Greenville

Presenter: Able SC - Youth Programs

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Greenville CAN is an initiative of the Barbara Stone Foundation - committed to making Greenville County a better place to live for individuals with disabilities.