Kicklighter Resource Center is proud to announce that we received the 2024 Women United Transportation Fund Mini-Grant from United Way of the Coastal Empire to help eliminate transportation barriers in our community. United Way of the Coastal Empire’s Women Who Rule event, held annually in March, raises funds for residents across our region who need dependable transportation.

United Way’s Women United Transportation Fund connects community members to dependable transportation to get to work, school, medical appointments, and vital resources like food, job training, and other important services. The fund provides gas cards, bus passes, and may even cover minor car repairs to ensure reliable transportation.

"This mini-grant will allow our infant classroom teacher to have a necessary car repair, that will ensure her safe travels from Hinesville to Savannah, to care for our littlest learners. Teachers are critical to the success of our learning center and this grant will also reduce the financial hardship of the car repair," stated Kicklighter Resource Center Executive Director Stacey Davis. "We are thankful to the United Way of the Coastal Empire for being an ongoing supporter of the educational goals of Kicklighter Resource Center and we are so thankful for the Women Who Rule Transportation Fund that can help an educator in her time of need," stated Executive Director Stacey Davis.

Kicklighter Resource Center was founded in 1951 by five parents whose children were not receiving school services and joined together to start a one room school at Forsyth Park. In 1955, the Chatham Chapter of Georgia ARC was chartered with the purpose of providing education to children with developmental disabilities while advocating for them in the community. In 1982, the Chatham Association for Residential Services, Inc. opened its first residential project consisting of ten semi-independent apartments and a six bedroom group home. Over the next eight years, Kicklighter opened an additional ten room apartment complex and three more group homes. In 1996, the Legends Learning Center was established to educate children of all ability levels. In 2005, the name was changed to Kicklighter Academy in honor of Mrs. Lilla Mae Kicklighter.

The mission of Kicklighter Resource Center, Inc. is to improve the quality of life of children and adults with autism and other developmental and physical disabilities through advocacy, community awareness, family support, and direct programs. Kicklighter Academy is unique because we offer young children an inclusive learning environment. We teach children with and without disabilities by providing a safe, cooperative atmosphere that is conducive to learning for all students. We strive to provide a clean, safe educational environment for young children and their families. Children develop skills that promote physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth within our care. We believe in being supportive of our parents and welcome their positive involvement and presence at all times. We further believe that within our environment, children can thrive and have the opportunity to blossom into responsible and contributing members of our society.

"As a teacher, you spend most of your time and resources creating a great learning experience for your students. Receiving this microgrant makes me feel supported so that I can do my job and not worry if I will be able to make it safely to and from work," Ms.Dee, infant care teacher at KRC.

Learn more about Kicklighter Resource Center at https://krcacademy.org/.