Dear Supporter,
The past 12 months have been very exciting for Riley’s Warriors. Much thought has been given to our purpose and mission. We have sought God’s guidance as to how we can best minister to children with disabilities and their families. We incorporated as a non-profit organization in November of last year. Following that, Riley’s Warriors, Inc. made formal application to the IRS for recognition as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. In June, we were notified of the approval of our application.
As a not-for–profit, faith-based ministry, we are dedicated to assisting children with disabilities and their families. Having a child with a disability provides a number of serious challenges to the child, to the family and to their friends. Too often, people in such situations retreat and try to deal with their challenges alone. Others try to find help, and become frustrated with government red tape and limited resources. Others are simply left alone, with nowhere to turn for help.
In response to these needs, Riley’s Warriors seeks to help through three different efforts:
One - A book entitled God’s Perfect Child has been written to tell the story of Riley McClanahan, his family and his church family. A Bible class curriculum series has also been developed to help bible classes learn about God and His role in the midst of tragedy. This new curriculum will be available for order this fall.
Two - Riley’s Warriors is providing respite care to the families of children with disabilities on a bi-monthly basis. Trained volunteers, many of whom are physicians, nurses and other medical professionals, spend a Saturday with these young children so their parents can do things they would otherwise be unable to do. God has blessed us with many volunteers, allowing us to serve many families. However, if we had more volunteers, we could help more families.
Three - Though Riley McClanahan, many of us have learned the great difficulty Bob and Michelle have experienced in meeting his educational needs. While several special needs programs for preschool children exist in Central Arkansas, these programs end at pre-K in an effort to mainstream children into Kindergarten.
Our goal is to change this situation. This is why Riley’s Warriors is exploring the possibility of establishing a special needs elementary school where Riley and the many children with similar disabilities can have the opportunity to learn in a safe and loving environment.
In support of our efforts, I am asking for your support for Riley’s Warriors in two ways:
First, I ask that you pray for this ministry. Ask God to bless the work that is being done and show us new ways to help people.
Secondly, your financial support is needed. Publishing curriculum, providing respite care and exploring the start of a new school all require money. You have been generous with your past support of our efforts and I would like to ask that you give again. Given our recently-received 501(c)(3) status, donations to Riley’s Warriors, Inc. are now tax-deductible (EIN 20-0410881).
Last year, our goal was to raise $20,000 for the Easter Seals race sponsorship and related expenses. This year, with our efforts to establish a special needs school program, our goal is $50,000. Yes, that is a lot of money, but our dreams for children with special needs are big.
In advance, I thank you. Your prayers and your financial support will go a long way in helping children like Riley and their families.
In Him,
Michael Keck
Riley’s Public Information Officer