Help For ALL Children with Disabilities
The One Child at a Time Mission
One Child at a Time Advocacy Project provides financial assistance for families who would otherwise be unable to access special education advocacy and consulting services. This advocacy ensures that the child’s educational team remains focused on the needs of the child above all else, bringing the family and the school district, agency or Early Start together to obtain Free and Appropriate Public Education as is mandated by special education law.
All children have the right to the appropriate placement in the least restrictive environment and services available to them regardless of socioeconomic status.
Download One Child at a Time’s Case Statement
The History of One Child at a Time
The history of One Child at a Time Advocacy Project begins with the story of Melinda Davis-Gillinger and her own child, Krysta, who was born profoundly deaf. Because her daughter was born at a time where their family was not able to get the support they needed, Melinda was forced to forge a path through special education where none had existed before. For this reason, she was drawn to return to school to achieve her Master’s in Special Education, found Melinda Gillinger & Consultants (MG&C) with like minds, and begin her mission to help both families and the system learn how to support children of all eligibilities. MG&C’s goal is to understand the unique needs of each child and their family, to respect their culture and choices, and to help them navigate the special education process including Early Start, their Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and transition to service post-High School.
Since beginning her work, Melinda has seen so many children whose families cannot afford the services of an advocate, as well as families who have experienced success fall on hard times and not be able to continue with professional help. These children are left with no one to fight for them, and their families have no one to guide them through the very complicated processes of the special education system. To help these children and families, Melinda has founded One Child at a Time Advocacy Project, so that children of all socioeconomic backgrounds will have the same opportunities and assistance.
This project was founded in the summer of 2022 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in July of 2023, Tax EIN: 93-2527838. Now, Melinda’s years-long dream has come true! The mission that formed in her heart — that money never be a reason why a child did not get the supports and services that they needed and had a right to receive — has now become reality.
The Impact of One Child Advocacy Project
The effect of your donation will be immediate. There are teachers and administrators who are aware of a child who needs help, but they know the family cannot afford it. There are parents who are struggling to navigate a system they don’t understand. There are children with no other option but to stay home, because their school doesn’t provide appropriate supports for them to access the education that is their right. They’re all waiting for the funds to get a professional working on their behalf, and you can help:
- $7500 will cover any & all costs for the advocacy of one child throughout a school year
- $2500 will provide guidance for an annual or triennial IEP meeting & review of report from the district
- $750 will ensure that a child & their family will be fully prepared for their next IEP meeting
- $300 will supply consultation & evaluation of a child’s assessment reports
We know who many of these children in need are… will you help us help them?
Testimonial Video
Melinda Davis-Gillinger sharing her mission to help all children with disabilities, regardless of socioeconomic status, receive the appropriate education that is their right. Clients who have benefitted from the kind of special education consultancy that Melinda provides also share their stories.
Our Fundraising Goal for the 23-24 School Year: $200,000
Contact Us
Phone
805.405.2173
Address
P.O. Box 221591
Newhall, CA 91321
