who we are... what we do...
Friends of Infant Toddler Services (FITS) is a separate 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that helps develop, maintain and fund additional services and programs for children served by ITSJC. We are funded through private donations, fundraising events, such as the Stepping Stones Gala, Helping Toddlers Make The Turn Golf Tournament, Hospital Hill Run and other activities and through various grants. Friends of ITS is managed through a volunteer Board of Directors. The goal of FITS is to provide additional services and programs for the ITSJC children, to enhance the services that are provided by ITSJC, and to enable FITS to provide additional services and assistance to ITSJC children in times of extreme need or emergency.
Some of the progams that FITS provides to the ITSJC children and their families are:
Community Based Playgroups- These playgroups are held at various play gyms located throughout Johnson County during the spring, fall and winter months. The playgroups are a great way for parents to come and play with their children at an indoor gym where they can meet other parents who have children with special needs and developmental delays.
Playful Potentials Program- This is a durable equipment purchasing and lending program. This program gives families the opportunity to try out equipment prior to making a purchase. Purchasing necessary equipment, such as standers, walkers, communication devices, switches, etc. can be extremely costly for our families and sometimes is not covered by their insurance providers. Also, some equipment may only be needed for a short period of time. The equipment can be used to help parents become familiar with the equipment, make sure that the equipment is right for their child before they purchase their own, bridge a short gap in time that the child may need the equipment and give confidence to the parent or caregiver that they have chosen the appropriate piece of equipment best suited for their child's needs. This program also provides families with other smaller non-returnable items which will aid their child's development, such as infatrainer cups, NUK brushes, jigglers, etc. These non-returnable items are available for a one time trial use by the family. If the family needs more of this item, we ask that they then purchase it themselves.
Special Assistance Program- This program was developed to help provide financial assistance to families for Assistive Technology needs for which no other funds are available. This program can be used by families whose child is currently receiving services, have demonstrated efforts have been made to access other possible funding sources and private insurance has declined their request or will only pay a portion of the cost. Assistive Technology items include any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of an infant or toddler with a disability. This includes communication devices, hearing aids, orthotics, bath chairs, walkers, standers, gait trainers, wheelchairs, switches and positioning equipment.
Funeral Assistance Program- Some of the children receiving services from ITSJC may have life-threatening illnesses or conditions. In the tragic event, that a child passes, this program will help fund up to $500 for funeral expenses for that child.
FITS board:
Hillary Guenthner, President |
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save the date
Wednesday, December 7, 2012
Night With Santa
Matt Ross Community Center, Hearth Room
8101 Marty Street, Overland Park, KS 66204
Come join us, as we celebrate the holiday season with Santa and his jolly elf, Jingles! Watch Santa arrive at Matt Ross Community Center in his amazing CyberSleigh promptly at 5:30pm in the North parking lot. Enjoy watching your child tell Santa all of their holiday wishes! Feel free to come and go anytime between 5:30 and 7:30 or come at the beginning and watch Santa arrive and stay until the end when he will leave on his magical CyberSleigh at 7:30pm! Parents, don’t forget your cameras for this photo opportunity. Cookies and juice will be provided. This event is for children and their families who are currently receiving services. RSVP to Katie Maupin at fits@itsjc.org or call 913-432-2900x124
2012 Winter & Spring Session
Community Based Playgroups
Join us in the spring, fall and winter months at various play gyms throughout Johnson County. These playgroups are a great activity for parents and their children to get some energy out during the cold months and the best part, they are FREE to all our families currently receiving services through ITSJC. Thanks Friends of Infant Toddler Services for funding these wonderful playgroups! Print the 2012 Winter Schedule here. Print the 2012 March Schedule here.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
10th Annual Stepping Stones Gala
Mark your calendars today and save the date for Friends of Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County's 10th Annual Stepping Stones Gala! Check out and print our Save the Date card here. For more information or to register for the event, please click here.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
39th Annual Hospital Hill at Crown Center - 7:00am
We are looking for runners, walkers and volunteers! For the third year, Friends of Infant Toddler Services is participating as a Charity Partner in the Hospital Hill Run. It’s easy! All you have to do is decide which race you would like to run or walk in (5k, 10k or ½ marathon) and sign up by contacting us at fits@itsjc.org or 913-432-2900 x 124. We are asking race participants to raise a minimum of $250 with various incentives! Sign up with us today!
how can you help?
There are many opportunities for you to help.
- Recommed FITS for workplace event such as "Jeans Day"
- Write in ITSJC for United Way donations
- VOLUNTEER: We are currently looking for silent and live auction items, securing sponsorships, preparing mailings, as well as volunteers for our Annual Stepping Stones Gala. If you can provide assistance in any area please contact us using the link below.
newsletter
A quarterly newsletter is distributed to all of our FRIENDS, including past and current families, providers, sponsors, and donors. In an effort to go green, as well as a way to cut costs, our newsletters will be distributed via email. Be on the look out for news and updates from FITS and ITSJC every 2 months! Please join our email database so that we can keep you informed and up to date. Send an email to fits@itsjc.org to join or update your information:
links
- Her Life Magazine - March 2010 (see page 22)
recently funded ITSJC Upcoming FITS Sponsored Events
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Hospital Hill Run on June 4, 2011. Click here for photos and info
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October 2011- FITS sponsored a 2-day training seminar for all ITSJC employees on Evidenced-Based Therapy Practices
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April 2011- Over $20,000 was raised to benefit programs and services sponsored by FITS at the 9th Annual Stepping Stones Gala. Click here for photos and info.
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April 2010- Hired Resource Development Coordinator to assist ITSJC with fundraising.
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May 2010-$20,000 was raised at the 8th Annual Stepping Stones Gala for the Special Assistance Fund.
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On going Community Based Playgroups held at various gyms throughout Johnson County during the winter months.
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Hospital Hill Run on June 5, 2010. Click here for photos and info
- 1st Annual Golf Tournament was held on August 13, 2010. Click here for photos and info
- 10th Annual Stepping Stones Gala will be held on April 21, 2012 at the Marriott Convention Center in Overland Park. If you would like information regarding this event, visit the Stepping Stones Gala or contact us at fits@itsjc.org or 913-432-2900 x 124.