For special needs children and their families, simple daily tasks are often clouded with frustration. The goal of one Metro Atlanta non-profit is to replace those clouds with sunshine.
Spurred by a sermon, Peter and Holly Ranney were convicted to use their talents in construction and design to help special needs children.
“Children with special needs just pulled at our heartstrings,” Holly said, adding that they felt these kids needed a special place in their homes. “Later, as we were in the homes more, we also realized accessible bathrooms were a huge need.”
Their first makeover was a military-themed bedroom for an 11-year-old terminal brain tumor patient, who later passed away. The Ranney’s quickly learned how impactful these makeovers could be and the magnitude of the need. What had begun as a hobby became a full-fledged charity organization. SOARD was born in 2012, and within a few years, the couple left their jobs and committed to providing no-cost accessible bathrooms, dream bedrooms and therapy rooms to special needs children full time.
To be considered for a makeover, families complete an application and submit a video showing why the makeover is needed. After recipients are chosen, SOARD representatives meet with the families to develop design and function plans. Tradesmen and contractors do the work, which on average costs about $40,000. Donors and sponsors provide funding and materials. An annual gala and smaller fundraisers as well as profits from Sunny & Ranney Home Furnishings in Roswell, which sells donated décor and furniture, also help cover costs.
SOARD has received regional and national recognition, including a spot on The Today Show, and has completed more than 140 makeovers. Special community projects have included parent sleep rooms at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Located in Roswell, SOARD plans to complete a makeover in each state by 2029.
Fayette County Makeover Recipients
Caleb Feather was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, when he was 5. As he grew into a young adult, his parents, Lisa and Stephen Feather, found it increasingly difficult to get him in and out of the bathtub. They were selected as SOARD makeover recipients in 2018. Not only did the SOARD team complete a wheelchair-accessible bathroom for Caleb, but they also created his dream bedroom with a Clemson Tiger theme. “Caleb was literally speechless,” Lisa said.
As helpful as the makeover was initially, it proved providential last year. Caleb developed an effusion around his heart and lungs that kept him in the ICU for 64 days and has left him adapting to life at home with a tracheotomy. Lisa said his room is now like a miniature ICU. Although the large Clemson Tiger paw print is still Caleb’s favorite makeover feature, other features such as the bins under his bed, have been invaluable for keeping medical equipment. “Everything they did was perfect then and now,” Lisa said. “They are an amazing organization.”
Abby Pugh’s attic therapy room, completed in 2019, is a sensory wonderland featuring a hot-air balloon swing, a twirly slide and a ball pit courtesy of SOARD. Abby, 11, was born with a congenital neurological brain defect called partial agenesis of the corpus callosum and was later diagnosed with severe autism. “SOARD has made one of the biggest differences in our lives as a special needs family by providing us with an amazing therapy room for Abby,” her mother, Jennifer Conforti said. “She has improved both physically and developmentally as a result of having this space. Now, she has her own safe space where she can swing and slide and play independently.” Conforti appreciates not only what SOARD did for her family, but also what they do for others. "SOARD is such a blessing to special needs families,” she said.
It’s a blessing the Ranneys feel as well. “We wake up every day feeling blessed,” Holly said. “We see firsthand what some of these families go through on a day-to-day basis. Many people take for granted how blessed we are to be able to wake up, roll out of bed, brush our teeth and take a shower on our own. Many of these kids cannot. Helping them to gain independence, and for some, helping the parents have an easier way to help them, is so rewarding.”
To learn more about SOARD or to get involved, visit www.sunshineonaranneyday.com.
