On behalf of children with special needs, PAUSE4kids shares the vision of being a positive, proactive force that helps the community gain information while educating parents and providing opportunities for collaboration.
“PAUSE4kids was founded decades ago before the words autism, special needs and disabilities in education were household words familiar to all,” explains Kathy Greco, who has served on the volunteer board of directors for nearly two decades.
“Originally the organization was formed because the local school districts were not adhering to laws and recognizing the rights of students with disabilities,” notes Greco, adding that the moniker stands for Parents & Professionals Against Unethical Special Education.
Serving the community for more than 25 years, PAUSE4kids is a completely volunteer-based organization that provides parent education, advocacy assistance, community awareness and nonprofit collaboration.
“One of the most unique and helpful services we provide are scholarships for things not covered by schools, insurance or regional centers,” Greco says. “No other organization provides direct scholarships, and as a board member, I make myself as available as possible for parent questions in between our monthly meetings.”
Scholarships are greatly needed and appreciated—as well as having a place to attend monthly discussions with other parents and gain an understanding of legal obligations and strategies.
“It is beneficial to hear what has worked or been made available for others— neither school districts nor regional centers will ever give a menu list of available options,” Greco says.
In addition to providing financial support to many families, “PAUSE4kids purchased an adaptive tricycle for Newbury Park High so many kids could benefit by having outdoor physical education.”
PAUSE4kids was formed in September 1999 by Keri Bowers, a parent of an autistic son.
“Keri Bowers was the parent that got this train in motion—other parents got on board as well as a lawyer/child psychologist and other professionals,” Greco says.
Eight parents attended the first meeting.
“It was a small but mighty group with the tenacity to demand these students be given the benefits of their legal rights.”
Today, PAUSE4kids serves hundreds of families in the Ventura County area, and the board is currently comprised of three parents and two professionals. The lawyer on the board, Terri Hilliard Olsen, provides her office as the headquarters.
“We are all volunteers—our expenses are basically phone, website and insurance, and we are always open to collaborative fundraising events,” Greco says.
She notes that PAUSE4kids has gone to various organizations in the community to raise awareness and answer questions.
For instance, “we were invited to speak at Calvary Community Church to the special-needs ministry…to talk about what our organization is and to answer questions that people may have about any of the subjects in which we are equipped to answer,” Greco says. “That is another way that we have tried to support our community by going out into the community to reach people.”
One of the most popular things PAUSE4kids does—and has done for years—is host an end-of-the-school-year party for parents.
“It’s usually 4- to 7-ish cocktails and food at a local restaurant,” Greco explains. “It’s a time for parents to come together and celebrate getting through another school year, which always takes a lot of effort for them. They can relax, talk and let go a little bit.”
With COVID, “we have not been able to do this in the last couple of years, but parents have continually asked if we’re going to bring that back. It’s an event they truly, truly enjoy, and hopefully, by the end of the school year we will bring in some money and be able to fund that time in an event together.”
When COVID shutdowns first began and everything was out of sorts, “we could not scholarship in-person services.” Instead, “we did raffles twice weekly for months—the winning family would choose their dinner menu from Wood Ranch BBQ—and we would order, pay and deliver the food.”
Unfortunately, at this particular time, “we are low on funds as we have been unable to host fundraising events during COVID, but we have continued to support our community,” Greco adds. “We always welcome donations and anyone interested in joining our efforts.”
She further emphasizes that PAUSE4kids is especially important in today’s times “because it gives parents a place to go to feel connected to other parents. We provide easy access to information and support—and we have continually tried to build community collaboration and overall support the community at large.”
PAUSE4kids is located at 600 Hampshire Road, Suite 211, in Westlake Village. For more information, call 805.497.9596, email info@PAUSE4kids.org or visit PAUSE4Kids.com.