Closer to the Heart

The French Family Foundation making a di erence for families with disabilities one child at a time.

In 2021, Kelly French embarked on a mission close to her heart, fueled by personal experiences and a desire to make a difference. After welcoming her son with a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome in 2013, Kelly’s journey led her to the heart of the disability community. In 2020, the family expanded through adoption, embracing a child with autism, ADHD, and apraxia.

Driven by compassion, the French Family Foundation was born in 2021, aiming to support local families with disabilities. Kelly expresses, “Our mission is to provide support to local families of people with disabilities, as well as giving nancial support to families looking to adopt children with a disability.”

Despite facing challenges in awareness, the foundation has garnered positive community response through initiatives like 5k fundraisers and virtual receptions. Kelly emphasizes the importance of overcoming hurdles, stating, “Our two biggest struggles are getting the word out and nding more board members.”

With a vision for the future, the foundation aims to raise $100,000 in 2024, intending to address immediate needs and pave the way for businesses providing employment for people with disabilities.

Kelly nds ful llment in the impact, noting, “The best part is meeting people we’ve helped, sponsors, and donors who are passionate like we are. It feels like we’re going down the right path, making a difference, even if it’s just one child at a time.”

To get involved: frenchfamily foundation.com