NEWSROOM – WATAUGA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS $1,000 GRANT

Friday, June 1, 2012 
Watauga County

A little boy from Watauga County can now move and communicate better thanks to  High Country First In Families (HCFIF). Last year, HCFIF purchased an iPad for a 2 year-old Watauga County boy suffering from Tuberous Sclerosis. This disease causes tumors to form on his eyes and brain and the iPad will help him with motor skills and speech delays. The Watauga County Community Foundation is joining forces, through this award, with Barium Springs to help more youth and teens and their families become independent.

Donated funds will be used to help individuals with developmental disabilities that qualify for our High Country First In Families (HCFIF) program. The goal of the HCFIF program is to assist these individuals and their families in becoming self-sufficient by providing them the resources and support necessary to become involved members of the community. HCFIF serves residents and family members who live in Ashe, Alleghany, Avery, Wilkes and Watauga counties and who suffer from a traumatic brain injury or developmental disabilities that strike before age 22 and will likely last a lifetime. All grant funds will be used to benefit Watauga County residents.   Examples of supports include iPads, computers, monthly bills, home modifications needed to increase independence, childcare or respite, or repairs to vehicles. Support can also be the connecting of an individual/family to vocational, social, and educational opportunities in the community; whatever it takes – for individuals to live and participate fully in their community.    To respond to such particular needs, High Country First In Families first looks to partner with local businesses, citizens, and agencies. Our goal is to leverage community support through local organizations and individuals for volunteer time, matching gifts, donations, and in-kind contributions in order to make our dollars go farther and help more in need.