6 and beyond

Success by 6 also helped my grandson Zachary with his lack of communication. He’s always been delayed in his development. I could see his frustration as he got older because of lack of communication. When they get so frustrated and overwhelmed, kids often give up on themselves and lose self-confidence. So it was important to me to get him the help he needed. Success by 6 realized he needed speech, so they did speech with him. They helped me learn some different tools to help him build his motor skills since he was way behind.

Eventually when Zachary went to grade school I had problems continuing his therapy. At that point, I could go back and approach his Success by 6’s Headstart program, who taught me how to communicate with the grade school he attended to get the help he needed, including speech and occupational therapy. When I went back and talked to the people at Headstart, they gave me some tips such as writing the Board of Education, talking to the principal and teachers, and having him tested for special education. I pushed all those issues and ended up getting him the support he needed and enrolling him in special education. He gets all that three times a week, but it took some work and Success by 6 was there.

The program should be called Success by 6 and beyond, because they didn’t shut the door on me because of his age. The program wasn’t just a one-time thing; I was still able to go to them for help once Zach was older than 6.

It’s quite funny now, because he’s gotten all of this help and he’s able to talk to you and tell you what’s going on; he’s become a big tattletale. Before he would always get the blame for everything, because he couldn’t tell you differently. If my other grandchildren were doing something they shouldn’t be, he couldn’t tell you if he was or wasn’t a part of it. Had he not gotten help through Success by 6, I’m sure his frustration would have gotten bigger.

Success by 6 has helped us with basic needs as well, like clothing and food when needed. They also tested the children for hearing and eyes during their Headstart years, and they all needed glasses.

In closing, we should fight for our children and grandchildren because they are our future. I’m grateful Success by 6 was there to help with that fight.

Nancy Turcotte
Grandparent and participant in United Way's Success by 6 program