Avedis Foundation Invests $10,000 to Strengthen Support for Families of Children with Disabilities

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 2, 2026) — Children's Health Foundation (CHF) has received a $10,000 grant from the Avedis Foundation to launch the Family Wellness Retreat and Respite Sibshops Initiative, a new program designed to strengthen support for families of children with disabilities in Pottawatomie County.

The initiative will provide opportunities for families to connect with one another, access valuable community resources and participate in inclusive experiences that support the well-being of the entire family.

The program recognizes that the impact of disability extends beyond the individual child to parents, caregivers and siblings. By providing respite and wellness opportunities, strengthening sibling relationships and creating inclusive activities for children with disabilities, the initiative aims to reduce isolation and build stronger support networks.

"We are grateful to the Avedis Foundation for investing in families across Pottawatomie County," said Brandon Brooks, CEO of Children's Health Foundation. "Caring for a child with special health care needs can be both rewarding and challenging, and families deserve opportunities to connect, recharge and find support. This grant allows us to build meaningful experiences that strengthen the entire family and create a stronger community."

The Family Wellness Retreat and Respite Sibshops Initiative is led through Sooner SUCCESS, a statewide program that connects families of children and youth with special health care needs to resources, services and support within their communities. The new initiative focuses on the needs of the entire family by creating opportunities for connection, wellness and inclusion.

"We are so excited to partner with the Avedis Foundation to increase support for families that have a child with special health care needs," said Aietah Stephens, executive director of Sooner SUCCESS. "These funds will be used to support the entire family as they access resources and connect with other families. As a parent myself, there is nothing that compares to knowing you are not alone in this unique journey. Help in the community is so important, as well as building strong relationships with other families."