We Believe

that program participants, families, volunteers, donors, staff, and the board of directors are the most valuable assets of the organization.
Our Story

SNSC’s history

SNSC old images

In 1979 the parents of a girl with autism began reaching out to other parents in their community. Their informal parent support network quickly began to get a lot of calls. The new parent network grew tremendously. With boundless enthusiasm and a drive to make a difference, this group of parents started what would become The Special Needs Support Center, a place that helps individuals with disabilities, and their families, meet their unique challenges through advocacy and program support.



Since then, The Special Needs Support Center has grown into a system of resources and programs that:

  • Empower and support Upper Valley Vermont and New Hampshire families of children with special needs;

  • Help individuals with disabilities and their families meet their unique challenges through advocacy and program support; and

  • Support families and individuals with disabilities become empowered through learning, sharing and collaborating with each other.

Sustainability

With courage, integrity, and love, we embrace our responsibility to program participants, families, volunteers, donors, staff, board of directors, and the environment to operate our organization sustainably by:

SNSC Teaching basic crafting

Creating a healthy, safe, collaborative and innovative work environment.

SNSC Donation

Being deliberate with our funds and increasing productivity through thoughtful resource allocation.

Little African-American boy collecting trash with volunteers in park

Promoting environmentally responsible decision making and reducing waste.

Providing care for a person with Down syndrome

Our stories

"Every parent wants their child to lead a happy life. We dream about the future, we have hopes that our child will be part of a community, have friends, and enjoy health. As a father of a child with autism, l've questioned my own ability to raise my daughter to fulfill these dreams.

 The SNSC team encourages and supports my confidence as a parent. With SNSC, I have grown into a better co- parent with my wife and a better father to my daughter. And they have helped our daughter to develop social skills, make friends, and even learn to swim. Thanks to SNSC I have developed grace in fatherhood that otherwise I would never have known."
AdiFather of a child with disability
Our family heavily relies on events and programming organized by local non-profits for support, for education and enrichment, for finding connection with the community, for nurturing friendships, and for staying active and healthy. The rural nature of our community can make identifying programming and events very challenging. As an Upper Valley parent of a child with disabilities, having access to the SNSC central calendar of events and programming geared toward individuals and families with disabilities is not participate, stay active, stay connected, and feel supported.
AnnieMother of a child with a disability
"It means a lot to have a summer camp for our special child. As parents we know that our child is safe, cared for and also has a lot of fun. Our son has done the Aspire camp for 3 years in a row and is always excited to go back to it, and that means a lot to us. A camp where he can be himself , make friends and have a LOT of fun. Thank you SNSC for your amazing staff who makes it happen!"
NupurParent of a child with a disability

Publications and Financials

2018 Annual ReportFY19 Annual ReportFY20 Annual ReportFY21 Annual ReportFY22 Annual ReportFY23 Annual Report2022 9902023 990501c3 Status2023 Independent Financial ReviewEIN