Include Me!!! (Inclusive After School Program)

OUR GOAL

  We are raising funds for our respite care/after school program in Philadelphia, PA. We found a location in West Philadelphia and we will like to secure 3 months worth of rent so we can focus on providing programs to the children for the winter months. 

Mission

  Advocate for Me, LLC  a Philadelphia based organization that was established to offer trainings to families and providers to empower them with information, advocacy skills and resources that will enhance the quality of life for every child with special needs that they encounter. Advocate for Me LLC offers interactive training systems that will prepare individuals and organizations with the awareness and the tools they need to be of maximum service to children with special needs.

Founder and Purpose of Advocate for Me, LLC 

 L'Vonne McMillan brings a unique perspective to her work as a parent, an advocate and an educator for the past 13 years. L'Vonne McMillan is the mother of 2 children (Jordan, 13 and Jada, 7). As the parent of a child born premature and with a special health care needs she successfully advocated for developmental services that have assisted her son in his daily needs and in his school setting. 

A Philadelphia native, L'Vonne has worked in the field of Early Childhood and Special Needs Education for over 20 years and has worked for various agencies providing one on one instruction and Early Intervention for clients with various special needs which include autism, down syndrome, and mental health disorders. L'Vonne McMillan is a published author and educates families on the importance of advocating for their special needs child. 

Problem

  There is a high expulsion rate in preschool and after school programs because child care centers and after school programs lack the training of educating their staff on how to probably care for a special needs child.  Seventeen percent of children  in the Pennsylvania public school system receive special education and right now it is a challenge for families to access a place for them to learn through virtual school as well as for the parents to have a time during the day to work from home. 

The ADA requires places used by the general public, including most child care centers and private schools and all public schools, to develop a plan for making their programs, services, and facilities accessible to people with disabilities. (http://www.njsacc.org/pdfs/childrenspecialneedsbooklet_WEB.pdf) 

Solution

  Advocate for Me, LLC has located a space in West Philadelphia to offer respite care and after school services to special needs children. The CEO has a heart for working with children and caring for them respectfully and has established a rapport with families who are caring for their special needs child.  At Advocate for Me, LLC, we want to offer a place where the children can be themselves and enjoy various programs such as yoga, dance, theater, and sensory activities. We will provide care for special needs /special health care needs children during the hours of 3pm-6pm (additional 2-4 hours of service as needed by appointment) to the children Monday-Friday at a fun, loving, and caring environment.