Community Spotlight: The Brave Little Bears Foundation
At Expansion Speech Therapy, we believe in supporting families both inside and outside the therapy room. That’s why we’re proud to highlight an organization doing truly life-changing work: The Brave Little Bears Foundation.
Why Their Mission Matters
In the U.S., 1 in 6 children are affected by developmental disabilities, placing incredible demands on families navigating therapy, insurance coverage, and inclusive programs. While many rely on essential public early intervention and insurance-covered services, they often fall short—leaving families to shoulder the burden of care.
This is where The Brave Little Bears Foundation steps in. They provide grants for private therapies, adaptive activities, and inclusive programs—filling the gaps so families can focus on supporting their children’s growth and joy.
Inspired by Real Stories
The foundation was sparked by the experiences of founders Kristen and Kyle Everett and their twin boys, Cameron and Jay. Jay was diagnosed with a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, and Cameron with autism—a journey that involved costly therapies like private physical therapy, speech, aquatherapy, adaptive swim lessons, and more The Brave Little Bears Foundation. When doctors feared Jay might never walk, the Everetts invested roughly $10,000 in customized therapy—but their perseverance paid off when Jay took his first independent steps at 3½ years old.
Inspired by their journey, the foundation aims to give other families access to transformative supports and hope, freeing them from navigating complex systems alone.
Every Dollar Counts: What Your Support Provides
Their Donate page breaks down exactly how impactful each gift can be The Brave Little Bears Foundation:
- $25 — One sensory-friendly haircut, turning a routine task into a calm, stress-free experience.
- $50 — A month’s supply of adaptive art materials for creative skill-building at home.
- $75 — One 30-minute hippotherapy session to promote confidence, balance, and coordination.
- $100 — Specialized gear (like lighter soccer balls or ergonomic paintbrushes) so children can participate in mainstream activities.
- $150 — A 50-minute private physical therapy session with a pediatric specialist.
- $240 — Four one-on-one adaptive swim lessons with a specialized instructor.
- $300 — A private speech therapy evaluation to help set clear, individualized goals.
- $500 — A one-on-one aide to support participation in township recreational programs.
- $750 — Inclusivity training for coaches or teachers to better serve children with developmental disabilities.
- $800 — One week at a special needs day camp—social, supportive, and empowering.
- $1,200 — Six months of adaptive music lessons to foster creativity and fine motor skills.
- $2,000 — One week of overnight special needs camp—growing independence and friendship.
- $3,000 — A complete evaluation and 15 private therapy sessions—the industry-standard package for measurable progress.
Each contribution, no matter the amount, directly supports children’s development and inclusion in meaningful ways.
Why We’re Proud to Share Their Story
At Expansion Speech Therapy, we witness firsthand the transformational impact of individualized, inclusive support. We know that when families can access the right therapies, programs, and supports—especially when they’re not covered by insurance—children can thrive. That’s why we feel deeply aligned with The Brave Little Bears Foundation and their mission to remove barriers and amplify possibilities.
Their words say it best: “Little bears. Big possibilities.”
How You Can Join the Movement
- Visit the foundation’s Donate page for easy, targeted giving via their tiered options The Brave Little Bears Foundation.
- Check if your employer offers donation matching—use their EIN 39‑2792994 to potentially double your impact.
- Share their story on social media or among your circles to amplify awareness and support. Progressive communities thrive on advocates like you.
At Expansion Speech Therapy, we’re honored to celebrate and champion organizations like The Brave Little Bears Foundation. Together, with generosity and compassion, we can help every child move confidently toward their brightest future—one little bear, one big possibility at a time.
