What makes Rita Stevens with Silent Voyces a good neighbor?

The journey of parenting a child with special needs often feels like navigating uncharted territory without a map. Parents find themselves overwhelmed trying to locate appropriate resources, connect with the right specialists, and create supportive environments for their children. This struggle is precisely what motivated Rita Stevens to found Silent Voyces, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting special needs children and their families. During her recent appearance on the Good Neighbor Podcast, Rita shared her inspiring story and mission.

Silent Voyces operates with a comprehensive approach focusing on four fundamental areas: healthcare, nutrition, community events, and education. What makes this organization particularly valuable is its partnership model, working alongside local organizations to provide respite events and resource fairs that directly benefit families. Perhaps most significantly, they conduct interviews with various providers to compile essential information that parents need when supporting their special needs children. This knowledge-sharing approach addresses one of the most significant challenges parents face—finding reliable information without having to conduct exhaustive research themselves.

Rita's journey into creating Silent Voyces was deeply personal, stemming from her experiences raising her son Bryson. Like many parents of special needs children, she encountered numerous obstacles when trying to access appropriate resources. "It should not be this difficult to find the right resources for your children," Rita emphasized during the podcast. Her frustration transformed into determination, leading her to create an organization that would make the path easier for other parents facing similar challenges. This personal connection to the mission ensures that Silent Voyces addresses real needs from a place of authentic understanding.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Silent Voyces is their organic approach to growth and outreach. Rather than relying heavily on traditional marketing, the organization has expanded primarily through community events, organizational partnerships, and word-of-mouth referrals. This grassroots growth strategy speaks to the genuine value they provide—when parents find a truly helpful resource, they naturally share it with others in similar situations. The organization targets families with special needs children from birth through age eighteen, providing support throughout crucial developmental years when having the right resources can make a tremendous difference in outcomes.

Beyond her work with Silent Voyces, Rita is also an author and speaker, currently completing her first book titled "Unexpected Patterns of Purpose," scheduled for release this spring. Her advice to parents of special needs children reveals the wisdom gained through her personal journey: "Be patient with yourself. You will not know everything, nor are you supposed to know everything, but it will all come in time." She also encourages parents to be confident in advocating for their children by asking questions, emphasizing that it's both appropriate and necessary to be inquisitive when it comes to your child's care.

What truly sets Silent Voyces apart is their service-oriented approach to supporting families. As Rita beautifully articulated, "Service is at the heart of what we do." The organization genuinely wants to connect families with the right resources, reflecting a deep commitment to community support rather than merely providing generic assistance. This philosophy reminds families that they have a voice in their child's care—a powerful message for parents who often feel lost in complex healthcare and educational systems. For those seeking to learn more about Silent Voyces and their resources, the organization maintains an active presence through their website (www.silentvoyces.org), Facebook group, Instagram (@SilentVoyces), and their YouTube channel, Inspired Voyces.

To learn more about Silent Voyces go to:

https://www.silentvoyces.org/

Silent Voyces 

469-922-5308