Today we’d like to introduce you to Kandi Alexander.
Hi Kandi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2009 our family moved to Lake County Fl. I had 2 daughters in high-school at the time and my son was born who was diagnosed with several physical & developmental disabilities. I was looking for a community to help support this new journey our family was on.
I found a wonderful group of parents who all participated in a non-profit organization called Miracle League.
Through the group our family starting making friends and I started to realize the best way for parents in my area to connect was to work together , meet up, share information , go to events and really talk to each other .
I created a name , Wespeak ,
I felt, until our kids could speak for themselves , we as the parents would speak for them .
For the past 16 years Wespeak has created an online platform using Facebook to connect.
The support group is all word of mouth and we set our group to purposely not be like every other group you can find online.
1st hand information is what we share .
We know it, live it, used it, went to it, had a great or not so great experience using resources like doctors, therapy, schools and more.
I encourage all parents to post in our group as if we are talking face to face and always answering with parent to parent advice .
The group is local . Respect, kindness and transparency is what truly sets us apart online.
Over time the various organizations and non-profits we all went to started giving back to our group.
Doors opened up to me to help encourage leadership, create programs, host events of my own & opportunities for the parents connected in the group became available.
There are so many great things that happen every year it seems.
You can find several news articles, and several Facebook pages connected to the group that have showcased the various businesses that have created events specifically for our group.
I have been given the opportunity to create an Autism / Special Needs / CIT training with other non profits and have trained local 1st responders, including police & fire depts in my county.
I have also hosted the largest Special Needs Event in South Lake County.
I am currently on several board of directors for various non – profits , part of a volunteer advisory committee for the City I live in . I utilize those connections to make sure Special Needs families feel included seen & heard .
I also support another non-profit organization by giving out yearly scholarships & donations .
Every day new families ask to join our online support group . The group has become the most active, transparent, respected community of special needs parents in our area.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting out can be a challenge when you are creating your vision. Parents want to connect but sometimes the reality is when faced with daily struggles many want to join but find it can be difficult.
We used to hold support group meetings in person.
We tried different times and places to accommodate but after a time I realized it was better to communicate online .
I have always encouraged the parents to be leaders , to connect with other families to create friendships.
Usually last minute plans end up being the best connection.
I also found I had a hard time saying NO, thinking I had to be everywhere for everything.
This is a lesson most advocates , parent volunteers learn over time to navigate.
I have learned my strengths and weaknesses and am glad that even in the struggles , the support for my own family has always been there .
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a volunteer special needs advocate by connecting our families journey to those who choose to follow us online and within the support group to share awareness and encouragement , to let them know they are not alone. I have advocated where my son is currently . Emotionally, developmentally, physically . Sharing our journey and encouraging other families to do the same.
It is a continued support system built on trust .
I have created training programs for 1st responders , hosted events, and organized local community projects that have made a difference.
I am proud that when I am not in a room , I have been told later that I was spoken about with respect and influence.
I would not have had all the opportunities if this was not the case. For that I am very grateful & proud.
I was nominated by another family a few years ago for Local Hero. My son has been given opportunities with his own volunteer peer advocacy . I am very thankful and grateful to everyone who supports us.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Everyone can make a difference by taking opportunities to create a support system in their community. By allowing others to see your vision and share in it. Allowing leadership to grow in transparency and hard work . 16 years I have built , what I knew our family needed and in turn our area grew in community. Organizations will see value in you and when you stay true to your vision and your work others will believe in you and support you .
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Kandi Alexander
