We are just days away from the “Raise the Roof 5K & Family Fun Walk,” hosted by Special Needs Community Initiative (SNCI) at Rankin Lake Park. Illumination Foundation of NC (IFNC) is a sponsor of this event, and we are proud to support the passion and vision of creating a residential community for independent adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We often take for granted our freedom to live in a society that was built to nurture our independence and support our aspirations, no matter how big or small. Most of us have been given an figurative step-by-step guide to life, and we all, intuitively, follow the guide through birth, childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Everyone faces challenges so, by no means is this life easy, but there are many people face even more difficult challenges by developing in a society that was not designed to nurture their growth and independence.
Those who live with disabilities have many of the same needs and desires as typical and able-bodied people. Unfortunately, the structure of our society has for too long implemented barriers to their independence, rather than an inclusive environment where they have the opportunities to grow, develop and succeed. That is why Special Needs Community Initiative (SCNI) is so important. Creating a community in which people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can experience greater independence, in an environment that will nurture their hopes and aspirations, will be a game-changer for those individuals and their families.
We encourage everyone to come out to Rankin Lake Park this Saturday, March 5, to support our friends at SNCI. You can still register to run or walk but, if you cannot make it on Saturday, you can always donate. We hope to see you there.