#FamilyFirstFindsTheirHome

We need your help to erradicate the stigma in Ghana that those living with disabilities are unequal citizens.

Currently "less than 1 percent of the national health budget is spent on mental health services." (Human Rights Watch, 2012) This translates to  few support services, including medical aid, aimed at helping them integrate into community life.

In desperation, families of children with disabilities have left children at orphanages or prayer camps where persons are chained and deprived of basic necessities. Living in an institutionalized environment, whether orphanage or psych ward, interrupts proper development and safety and perpetuates the stigma that people with disabilities are "lesser-than". 

Family First – Ghana has identified an intended solution to eradicating this harmful perception and reinforce the fact that every life is precious and intentional.

It starts with families. Educate, support, and sustain families of children with disabilities and they will indirectly influence the community of thought.

How it Works: 
1. Intervention – when a family is first referred to our program, a social worker will determine what immediate needs should be met through financial sponsorship. We hope to create a safe and loving environment for the family as they work through their designated classes. Sponsorship may include medical, education, housing, nutritional support until a family graduates from Family First – Ghana. 
2. Foundation – We believe a family cannot thrive without a solid foundation of emotional support. Family First offers counseling and support groups. We hope to connect families all over Kumasi with similar circumstances to better support one another. 
3. Prevention – In order to prevent families from feeling desperate enough to relinquish their child to an orphanage we have created classes to help empower families so they can become independent. We offer business, finance management, literacy, parenting and skill training classes. 
4. Education – The stigma of both developmental and medical special needs often isolates families in Ghana. We hope to eradicate that stigma by offering training, conferences, Q+A panels to local healthcare providers, schools and churches. By partnering with leaders in the community we dream to see a Kumasi that strives for inclusiveness in every part of life.

All money donated goes directly towards raising $6,500 USD to open a small facility to house an office and program space for these services.



 



We appreciate all the support you have for our organization's goals and would love to keep in touch. You can find more information on our site https://www.facebook.com/FamilyFirstGhana/





Additional Resources: 
https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/08/22/ghana-disability-rights-convention-ratified
https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/features/The-illegal-orphanage-business-in-Ghana-287937