Website: https://www.therafriendscommunity.org/home

About: TheraFriends Community Partnership was founded to improve access to pediatric therapy for children and families in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina (Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham counties). After having owned private practices, the founders recognized how difficult it is for families who are facing a range of barriers that reduces their ability to access quality therapeutic services. Both being deeply committed to inclusion, equity, and accessibility, they sought ways to ensure all children and families have access to these important services. Based on results from a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), 1 in 6 children in the United States has one or more developmental disability or other developmental delays. The CDC has also cited research supporting that “early intervention services can change a child’s developmental path and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities.” Although there are many families who require these services, North Carolina is one of the 12 states that did not adopt Medicaid expansion in 2014. Due to the lack of expansion of coverage, there are many families that do not quite make the cut-off to receive Medicaid coverage and are often unable to afford healthcare coverage that will pay for their child's therapy services. This stark reality is why TheraFriends is advocating for children and families in their community who lack access to affordable therapeutic services. TheraFriends also recognizes the significant need for increased diversity and inclusion in allied health fields and we are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our professional fields and our community. Thus, TheraFriends was born in 2021 with a mission to partner with families and the greater community to provide quality therapy services that empower children and families to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. The vision of the organization is to build a diverse, supportive, neurodiversity-affirming, inclusive community hub offering direct quality therapy services, therapy resources, and community programs to children and families.

Contact: (919) 355-8194 hello@therafriendscommunity.org

Volunteer Opportunities: Yes

Donate: https://www.therafriendscommunity.org/donate