Your Story Matters: Meet the Orr Family

THE FOUNDER OF FOR KIDS LIKE ME ORGANIZATION

BY KENDRA ROGERS, MS

Born and raised in Detroit, Carol is the matriarch of the Orr family and shares the experiences that she and her daughter, YaShieka have gone through while caring for her special needs granddaughter, Lillie. Carol and YaShieka both graduated from Wayne State University. Carol has a Master’s in Education and YaShieka has a Master’s in Human Services. Their educational background has helped them to locate and provide the various special needs services that Lillie requires. In addition, the experiences, both good and bad, motivated Carol to start her organizations, For Kids Like Me, LLC, which provides educational services and plans community outings for children with special needs, and The For Kids Like Me Organization, which is her newly formed non-profit that collaborates with advocacy organizations throughout the United States. Carol stated that her experiences within her organizations also aid her in her work as a Special Needs Resource teacher at a local charter school.

When speaking of Lillie, Carol’s face instantly lights up. Lillie is a precocious child who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy due to being born prematurely. Though she has undergone multiple surgeries, Lillie continues to exceed expectations medically and educationally. Lillie is a bright child, consistently earning straight A’s in her 5th-grade self-contained classroom at Marcus Garvey Academy.

Despite her academic performance, it was a struggle to access appropriate activities that she could fully engage in safely. Her needs and desires have been an inspiration to her grandmother and are seen as a major contribution to children with special needs throughout her community.

Lillie is the youngest of Carol’s adored 5 grandchildren, which includes Lillie’s sister, Arianna. Carol, Arianna, and Lillie spend time together enjoying their favorite snacks; BBQ chips and Mt. Dew, and dining at Chili’s and Applebee’s. Lillie is very vocal and instrumental in planning FKLM events such as the Annual picnic, Back to School Event, Trunk or Treat Event, and Christmas party. Although Lillie is restricted from air travel, Carol plans local weekend getaways to fulfill Lillie’s desire to travel. Lillie is a music lover, especially the violin.

Carol would like to recognize those who have provided motivation, guidance, and unwavering assistance to her and Lillie over the years. Special thanks to Lillie’s teachers: Mrs. Dropiewski, Ms. Anderson, Ms. Burton, and Mama Maxwell; Shell Jones, founder of the Playplace Autism and Special Needs Center; and Special Education Advocate Maria Giancotti. Their hard work and dedication provide some form of “normalcy” amidst our challenges.

Carol shares that joining the great organizations that provide services to the metro Detroit areas, including For Kids Like Me, is vital to understanding the needs of children with special needs.

Carol founded For Kids Like Me, LLC in May of 2017 in Lillie’s honor to fulfill her desire to be out within the community without barriers from her disabilities. FKLM is built on the idea that all kids can have activities in which they thrive when given the proper space to do so. FKLM has hosted more than 50 events for kids like Lillie. These events and the smiles they produce represent Carol’s favorite memories. In January of 2024, Carol realized more work needed to be done to improve the lives of children with special needs. She saw defects within the schools and community settings overall. She joined advocacy groups to help bridge the gaps in services within schools and the community as a whole. She is an active member of MiPAAC, Michigan Parent Advocate and Attorney Coalition, and ARC Detroit, which provides services and advocacy for children and adults with special needs.

FKLM works to train families and the community through collaboration with various special needs organizations. The unforeseen struggles that face families caring for individuals with special needs can be insurmountable and FKLM helps families gain access to opportunities, guidance, and training. They also host events throughout the year where those with special needs get to engage in activities others may take for granted. FKLM also provides referrals to organizations and helps families with the IEP process, filling a needed gap. For Kids Like Me also provides tutoring and academic services to children with various special needs through one-on-one settings. Parents and teachers frequently comment on the academic accomplishments and improved test scores the children achieve, thanks to participating in our program. Carol shares that “the curriculum is tailored to fit each individual child’s academic needs and learning styles. We currently have 22 students who receive services throughout the year. During the summer, reading and math retention skills are worked on, as well as African Studies, Moral Focus, specialized projects, and cursive writing.”

FKLM has gone on to win an award from the ICHANGE NATIONS organization. The Challenged Champions and Heroes Award is a prestigious, global award that recognizes special needs providers and advocates across the world. This special organization will continue to serve the community throughout the years, filling a gap and inspired by Lillie.

You can find For Kids Like Me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ ForKidsLikeMe) and Instagram(https:// www.instagram.com/forkidslikem_llc/)