Success Stories
Every child matters.
Parker
When Parker came here in 2011 he was unable to pronounce words or walk independently. Through proper therapy, he can now speak multi-word sentences and plays tag daily on the playground.
Vorjavi
Vorjavi was developmentally behind his age group when it came to performing tasks with his hands. After proper therapy here, he can now play with toys in a fun, purposeful way.
Dorothy & Gabi
Both of these sisters had severe communication issues when they came here—both were non-verbal. With proper therapy, Gabi and Dorothy are now social butterflies talking non-stop.
Alyssa
Alyssa is a beautiful child who has an orthopedic disability that requires her to use a wheelchair. Working with us she has become quite fluent and can maneuver her way around to access whatever she needs.
Jamichael
Today Jamichael is a star student. A year ago, however, he was withdrawn, emotional and non-verbal. Our therapy brought out his true potential.
Parker
Parker has become one of the superstars in our language development. That’s quite an achievement considering she was non-verbal a year ago. Now she speaks in full sentences to peers and teachers.
Education, Therapy, Love: the three ingredients for growth.
Personal Stories
We were crushed, and overwhelmed by AnnaKate’s many needs. Therapy sessions, heart monitors, appointments with specialists filled the rest of that first year. As we regained our balance and sought help, our search led us to the Meyer Center. When AnnaKate began attending the Center at one year of age, we knew immediately that we had found a “family.” A place where people understood our child’s needs. A place where AnnaKate could receive the therapies she required in a nurturing learning environment.
The teachers, administrators and therapists all embraced our child, and us. They push her each day to achieve more than we ever thought possible. And her progress at the Center has been amazing to watch. Without the Meyer Center, I don’t know where we would be.
Before we adopted AnnaKate, I never expected to need a school like the Meyer Center. Now I know what a priceless asset to the community this special place is, and how important it is for our children.
We were crushed, and overwhelmed by AnnaKate’s many needs. Therapy sessions, heart monitors, appointments with specialists filled the rest of that first year. As we regained our balance and sought help, our search led us to the Meyer Center. When AnnaKate began attending the Center at one year of age, we knew immediately that we had found a “family.” A place where people understood our child’s needs. A place where AnnaKate could receive the therapies she required in a nurturing learning environment.
The teachers, administrators and therapists all embraced our child, and us. They push her each day to achieve more than we ever thought possible. And her progress at the Center has been amazing to watch. Without the Meyer Center, I don’t know where we would be.
Before we adopted AnnaKate, I never expected to need a school like the Meyer Center. Now I know what a priceless asset to the community this special place is, and how important it is for our children.
Our daughter, Addi, was officially diagnosed with Mosaic Down Syndrome at one week old. When we began researching this rare form of down syndrome (only 1-2% of the Down Syndrome population have mosaic), we realized that we were headed on one truly unique journey. The first few months were filled with visits with pediatricians, geneticists, specialists, and lining up therapies. In the chaos of trying to line up every possible opportunity for Addi, I recalled participating several years prior in a United Way tour that visited the Meyer Center for Special Children. That tour was so powerful and inspiring, though I never imagined it would be such a reality in my own future.
After our first visit with the staff at the Meyer Center, we decided to relocate our family from Aiken, SC and return to Upstate, SC. At the age of 9 months, Addi began attending the Meyer Center.
Our time at the Meyer Center has introduced us to so many unique and beautiful children and their families. Each day, the teachers, therapists and staff embrace Addi and her schoolmates with love and acceptance. We can leave Addi for the day with confidence that anyone she encounters will see her true potential and has a passion to help her reach it. I am never surprised to see an unfamiliar face greet Addi by name and with a big smile, making us each feel special. It is almost impossible to describe the comfort it provides a mother knowing that your child is in the hands of people that love your child and want the best for your child.
Addi is almost 16 months and has been meeting milestones left and right. Each week is full of new surprises and new skills. Though the last year has been filled with many emotions, fears, joys, celebrations, and the unknown; the Meyer Center family has helped us sort through those emotions, understand our fears, share in our joys, celebrate milestones, and educate us about our unknowns. The Meyer Center has quickly become a part of our extended family and holds a dear place in our hearts.
We have developed a strong appreciation for the important role the Meyer Center plays in the lives of our community’s special needs families. The Meyer Center provides services to all children, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. However, your support is needed to ensure that Upstate families can continue to have the opportunity to experience the programs, as well as the compassion, offered by this very special school. We owe so much to the Meyer Center and to Dr. Meyer and his vision for children with disabilities.
Testimonials
David Johnson
“We know that the Meyer Center will help our son, and every other child entrusted to their care, reach every bit of their potential.”
Jason Cordell
“On visiting the Center, I was overwhelmingly impressed with the staff, the caring and love they showed each child, and the facility.”
Bill & Kelly Weekes
“At sixteen months, AnnaKate began attending the Meyer Center. The tide turned; we were no longer alone.”
The Irvin Family
“Words cannot express how grateful we are to be a part of the Meyer Center.”
The Aldebol Family
“Since Benjamin has attended the Meyer Center, he has accomplished more than we could have ever imagined.”
Vickie Kilbride
“Dr. Leslie Meyer was a great and wonderful man for conceiving of such a place for children. He is a hero in my eyes.”
You can make a big difference in their lives
The best way to impact the lives of these families is by getting involved today.